Continuous Improvement Engineer

Morgan Truck Body; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & benefits

401(k) match

Tuition assistance

Paid holidays

Discount programs

Job summary

Morgan Truck Body, located in Riverside, CA, seeks a seasoned Lean/Continuous Improvement Leader to champion process optimization across the site. You will partner with leadership to identify opportunities, apply Lean tools, and deliver measurable efficiency gains while training teams in Kaizen methods.

You will drive cross-functional initiatives, track KPIs, and lead Kaizen events to ensure sustained financial impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in manufacturing applying Lean and problem-solving tools.
• 3+ years driving continuous improvement with financial impact.

Responsibilities

• Document current-state processes and identify opportunities using Lean tools.
• Develop SOPs, standard work and 5S to standardize operations.
• Lead Lean initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Define and track KPIs, Kaizen activity, and cost savings.
• Provide Lean training and enablement to teams.
• Lead Kaizen events and validate financial impact.

Skills

Lean methodology

Kaizen leadership

Data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

SIOP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

JDE (JD Edwards)

Job description

Transforming processes to power performance

Location: Riverside, CA

Salary Range - $93,000 - $110,000

TN Visa is accepted

Your Impact – Big and Bold!

In this role, you will champion a culture of continuous improvement by partnering with site leadership to identify opportunities, streamline processes, and drive measurable results. You will lead cross-functional initiatives aligned to key business KPIs, leveraging Lean methodologies to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance. Additionally, you will assess organizational needs and deliver targeted training to build capability and sustain long-term operational excellence.

What a Day in Your Life Looks Like:

• Process Improvement & Optimization – Document current-state processes and identify improvement opportunities using Lean problem-solving tools such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Daily Management, and Visual Management.
• Standardization & Best Practices – Drive consistency across business units by developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Standard Work, and 5S methodologies.
• Lean Implementation – Lead and support process improvement initiatives aligned with Lean principles to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Performance Tracking & KPIs – Design and implement sustainable processes and tracking systems, including defining and monitoring key manufacturing KPIs, Kaizen activity, and cost savings.
• Lean Training & Enablement – Support the development of team members by providing guidance and training on Lean methodologies and continuous improvement practices.
• Kaizen Leadership – Lead Kaizen events and initiatives, ensuring successful execution and validation of financial impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration – Foster strong communication and alignment across manufacturing plants and with corporate partners.
• Team Facilitation – Lead cross-functional teams to achieve Kaizen objectives and drive measurable results.
• Coaching & Mentorship – Mentor team members in applying Lean tools and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Reporting & Communication – Prepare and share regular progress updates, including weekly reporting on improvement initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement Pipeline – Manage the Kaizen funnel and Just Do It (JDI) plan to prioritize and track improvement opportunities.
• Operational Support – Contribute to additional initiatives and responsibilities as needed.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Education & Background – Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Manufacturing & Lean Experience – 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment applying Lean methodologies and structured problem-solving tools.
• Continuous Improvement Expertise – 3+ years of hands‑on experience driving continuous improvement initiatives, including financial analysis of savings, budgeting, ROI calculations, and ratio analysis.
• Lean Methodology Proficiency – Formal training and application of Lean principles, including 5S, waste elimination, mistake‑proofing (poka‑yoke), PDCA, root cause analysis, A3 problem solving, value stream mapping, Kaizen, and lead time reduction.
• Analytical & Financial Acumen – Strong analytical capabilities with demonstrated experience quantifying savings and evaluating return on investment.
• Supply Chain & SIOP Knowledge – Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives within material management and Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP).
• Operational Performance Analysis – Experience evaluating and improving operational performance metrics, including efficiency and utilization.

What Sets You apart:

• Experience with JDE (J.D.Edwards)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 10%
• Step into a dynamic office role where you’ll stay seated for eight hours with the freedom to sit or stand as you work. Move around comfortably on level surfaces, reaching high and low above shoulder heights and below the waist to organize files and materials with care. Safe lifting skills are key as you occasionally handle materials.
• Work in an active manufacturing plant environment where hands‑on tasks keep you engaged! This role requires regular talking and listening. You’ll frequently stand, walk, and use your hands to handle, feel, and reach as you complete your daily duties with precision.

Why Morgan? Because You Deserve the Best:

With over 70 years leading the truck body industry, Morgan Truck Body is where innovation meets tradition. From electric vehicles to custom refrigerated units, we build it all — and we do it with passion and precision.

• Competitive pay and full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life)- your health matters
• 401(k) with company match — because your future matters
• Tuition reimbursement and leadership development to boost your career
• Paid holidays and vacation time — we know balance is key
• Exclusive discounts on footwear, eyewear, and safety gear- because we care about your safety

Join a team where your impact is real, your growth is limitless, and your work fuels the future of transportation!

What Drives Us at Morgan:

At Morgan Truck Body, our shared values aren’t just words on a wall — they’re the heart of everything we do. They fuel our success, shape our culture, and guide how we show up for each other, our customers, and the future of transportation.

We Celebrate People

We recognize and value the individuals behind the build — the makers, thinkers, and problem‑solvers who drive our success every day.

We Lead with Integrity

Doing the right thing isn’t optional — it’s how we operate, always. Honesty, accountability, and respect guide every decision.

We Deliver Results

We show up, step up, and get it done. Our commitment to performance means exceeding expectations and raising the bar — for ourselves and our customers.

We Work with Passion

We love what we build — and it shows. From the factory floor to the front office, we bring energy, innovation, and pride to every product that rolls out of our doors.

At Morgan Truck Body, part of the J.B. Poindexter & Co. family, we’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diverse perspectives and do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind — regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This commitment applies to every part of your journey with us — from hiring and promotions to compensation, training, and beyond.

Diversity drives innovation. Inclusion fuels our strength. At Morgan, everyone belongs.