Continuous Improvement Engineer

Applied Engineering, Inc. - Yankton, SD; Yankton (SD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to support their operational excellence initiatives. This role involves driving continuous improvement projects, promoting a lean culture, and achieving safety, quality, and profitability targets. The ideal candidate will have a degree in engineering or relevant experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Benefits

Competitive wages and benefits

Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications

• Degree in Continuous Improvement or Industrial Engineering preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Experience with manufacturing systems and quality initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive measurable continuous improvements aligned with company objectives.
• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts using lean tools.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Lean Principles

Education

Four-year degree in Continuous Improvement or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Join to apply for the Continuous Improvement Engineer role at Applied Engineering, Inc. - Yankton, SD

Summary/Objective: The Continuous Improvement Engineer supports the organization in achieving its goals and developing the business. This role drives continuous improvement projects, promotes a lean culture, and meets safety, quality, delivery, and profitability targets. The person also assists the CI Manager with strategic activities, develops and tracks improvement metrics, establishes standards, and strives for operational excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Operate in accordance with the company Quality Management System and relevant customer certifications.
2. Provide leadership, communicate plans, offer feedback, and assist in problem-solving.
3. Support policies, procedures, goals, and good manufacturing practices.
4. Drive measurable continuous improvements aligned with company objectives.
5. Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
6. Contribute to plant layout development for optimal resource utilization.
7. Research and implement new processes, technologies, and equipment to enhance flow, capacity, and quality.
8. Identify and execute opportunities to improve the value stream and lead 5S initiatives.
9. Lead continuous improvement efforts using lean tools and industry data to eliminate waste.
10. Support additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

1. Four-year degree or relevant experience in continuous improvement or industrial engineering preferred.
2. Strong communication skills, both internal and external.
3. Ability to influence without authority and collaborate across functions.
4. Understanding of engineering drawings; experience with AS/ISO, EAR/ITAR is a plus.
5. Self-motivated with minimal supervision after training, demonstrating leadership and work ethic.
6. Experience with manufacturing systems, quality initiatives, and safety practices preferred.
7. Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
8. Ability to teach and train Lean principles.
9. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
10. Proficient in computer skills and Microsoft Office Suite.
11. Represent the company professionally on and off-site.

Other Information

• Post-offer drug screening and background checks required.
• Equal Opportunity Employer; competitive wages and benefits offered.
• Position involves access to regulated information; only U.S. Persons qualify.