Continuous Improvement Engineer

Aptiv; San Marcos (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

401k

Paid time off

Continuous professional development

Job summary

Aptiv Interconnect is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives across our manufacturing operations in California. You will lead Kaizen events, map future-state processes, and build fixtures to optimize line performance and reduce waste.

You will also own project timelines, track ROI, and analyze KPIs such as OEE and cycle times to validate improvements. Strong cross-functional collaboration and mentorship in Lean methods are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of continuous improvement experience in manufacturing or engineering.
• Lean Six Sigma knowledge and process optimization skills.
• U.S. Person per regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead Kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops to resolve bottlenecks and reduce waste across manufacturing operations.
• Map future-state processes, build fixtures, and adjust production lines to optimize workflow and cycle times.
• Regularly audit standards, establish work instructions, and ensure long-term process sustainability.
• Develop detailed project timelines, track metrics, and ROI projections to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Define and analyze KPI data (OEE, cycle times, scrap rates) to prove improvements.
• Guide root cause analysis and design tooling/fixture solutions to mitigate operational risks.

Skills

Lean implementation

Process optimization

Project management

Data analytics

Problem solving

Effective communication

Education

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (preferred)

Tools

Google Enterprise

ADP

EPICOR ERP

Minitab

Job description

We always do the right thing, the right way.

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job ID: US005030-2333

Department: Quality

Reports To: Quality Manager

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation : Up to $150,000/annually (DOE) + Incentive Compensation Eligibility

Summary:

At Aptiv Interconnect, we inspire the world’s most innovative teams by doing the right thing, the right way. We are seeking a results-driven Continuous Improvement Engineer to recommend and implement key projects that enhance efficiency, accuracy, quality, and overall safety.

In this role, you will bridge engineering and manufacturing by leading Kaizen events, analyzing data, building fixtures, and optimizing production lines. Collaborating cross-functionally, you will embed Lean Six Sigma methodologies to solve operational bottlenecks and drive sustained operational excellence.

Leadership & Core Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization

• Kaizen & Rapid Improvement: Lead Kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops to resolve immediate operational bottlenecks and eliminate waste across manufacturing operations.
• Process Mapping & Line Adjustments: Map future-state processes, build fixtures, and adjust production lines to optimize workflow efficiency and cycle times.
• Auditing & Sustainability: Regularly audit operational standards, establish work instructions, and ensure long-term process sustainability.

Project Management & Strategic Ownership

• Project Execution & ROI: Develop detailed project timelines, track metrics, and generate ROI projections to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• KPI & Data Analytics: Define, track, and analyze critical operational metrics—including OEE, cycle times, and scrap rates to validate effectiveness and drive continuous improvements.
• Risk & Root Cause Analysis: Guide root cause analysis efforts and design tooling/fixture solutions to mitigate risks associated with operational inefficiencies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Culture

• Stakeholder Alignment: Coordinate cross-functional stakeholder meetings across departments to align engineering and manufacturing goals.
• Mentorship & Training: Train and mentor staff in Lean methodologies, 5S, and Six Sigma tools to actively cultivate a continuous improvement culture.

Position Requirements

Education & Technical Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years of continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Industry Domain: Strong background in Lean implementation, process optimization, line adjustments, and tooling/fixture design.
• Regulatory Compliance: U.S. Person

Certifications & Competencies

• Certifications: Green Belt certified in Lean Six Sigma highly preferred.
• Systems Proficiency: Google Enterprise, ADP, EPICOR ERP, and statistical analysis tools such as Minitab.
• Core Competencies: Strong project management, effective communication, multitasking under tight deadlines, and adept root cause problem-solving skills.

Compensation, Benefits & Legal

Total Rewards & Compensation

• Base Salary Range: Up to $150,000/annually (DOE), contingent upon experience, education, and relevant skills.
• Incentive Compensation: AIP target 5%
• Benefits & Perks: Comprehensive healthcare coverage, 401k, paid time off, and continuous professional development opportunities. Learn more at Winchester Interconnect Careers .

EEO Statement

Aptiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities). We adhere to all federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination and strictly prohibit workplace harassment of any kind.

Location(s)

Workplace Type

On-site

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In addition to federal law requirements, Winchester Interconnect complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Winchester Interconnect expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.