Continuous Improvement Engineer

Schwan's Company; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives at our new 360,000-square-foot Sioux Falls facility. You will partner with plant leadership to strengthen training, close skill gaps, and elevate performance from day one.

This role emphasizes coaching teams, facilitating cross-functional projects, and using data-driven decision making to improve safety, quality, productivity and capacity across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Lean / Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office and MS Project.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Self-directed with independent work style.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support CI initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma to eliminate waste and increase efficiency.
• Partner with GSC teams to develop and implement process and capacity improvements.
• Coach and train employees on continuous improvement principles and tools.
• Facilitate improvement events and cross-functional teams.
• Analyze operations to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and capacity.
• Apply change management strategies to drive successful implementation.
• Utilize data and analytics to track performance and support business initiatives.
• Manage projects by defining scope, tracking progress, resolving issues, and communicating results.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional leadership

Problem-solving

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

Continuous Improvement Engineer – Day Shift

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

Our brand-new, 360,000-square-foot Asian-style food manufacturing facility in Sioux Falls, SD is taking shape—and this is your chance to help build it from the ground up. We’re seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive both people and process excellence, partnering with plant leadership to strengthen training, close skill gaps, and elevate performance. In this role, you’ll play a key part in developing our team, improving operations, and ensuring employees have the tools and confidence to succeed from day one.

At CJ Schwan's, we are committed to delivering high-quality food products while fostering a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will play a key role in driving process optimization initiatives across our manufacturing operations. This position partners closely with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, eliminate waste, improve efficiencies, and enhance overall performance through the application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a passion for data-driven decision-making and a commitment to creating sustainable improvements that support our people, processes, and business objectives.

What You Will Do:

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies to eliminate waste and increase efficiency
• Partner with GSC teams to develop, enhance, and implement processes and capacity improvements
• Coach and train employees on continuous improvement principles and tools
• Facilitate improvement events and cross-functional teams
• Analyze operations to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and capacity
• Apply change management strategies to drive successful implementation
• Utilize data and analytics to track performance and support business initiatives
• Manage projects by defining scope, tracking progress, resolving issues, and communicating results

What We Look For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
• Lean / Six Sigma certification preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools (e.g., MS Project)
• Understanding of industrial processes, control systems, and basic statistical methods
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving improvement initiatives
• Strong communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently and leverage resources effectively
• Ability to lead cross-functional improvement teams.
• Effective communication, facilitation and problem-solving skills.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $75,000 to $125,000 annually with eligibility for a 5% annual incentive bonus; that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to education, skills, work experience, certifications, geography, etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].