Continuous Improvement Engineer II

Materion Corporation; Elmore (OH); On-site; USD 79,200 - 103,950; Full time

Job summary

Materion Corporation is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer in Elmore, Ohio. This role involves leading efforts in process control and product quality improvement, utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment. You will collaborate with various teams to drive initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and quality standards.

Salary range is $79,200–$103,950, with final offers based on individual qualifications. Join Materion to help innovate and streamline processes!

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of process engineering experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex projects.
• Strong communication skills and eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Provide coaching and guidance in Lean Six Sigma.
• Investigate and propose process improvement initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional project teams through DMAIC.
• Maintain communication with leadership on project status.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Six Sigma Methodologies

Process Improvement

Data Analysis

Presentation Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Related Discipline

Job description

Continuous Improvement Engineer – Materion

Under the direction of the Site Manager, the Continuous Improvement Engineer provides continuous improvement engineering leadership and guidance in process control, cost improvement, product quality improvement, and cycle time reduction. The engineer leads and coaches peer engineers in Lean Six Sigma and DMAIC problem‑solving methodologies, develops training programs, and proposes new procedures to automate, improve, and scale existing processes. The role partners with operators, engineering, maintenance, quality, management, R&D, and production planning teams to accomplish these tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coaching, and guidance to peer engineers in Lean Six Sigma and DMAIC problem‑solving methodologies; develop and improve training and development content for Engineering and Operations.
• Investigate and propose new procedures, methods, and automation to improve existing processes.
• Work with operators, engineering, maintenance, quality, management, R&D, and production planning to accomplish continuous improvement initiatives.
• Comply with and support EH&S and quality programs, trainings, and policies while operating safely, honestly, and ethically.
• Partner with Process Engineering, Operations, and Quality Engineering to identify, define, and financially vet continuous improvement and cost improvement projects that achieve divisional and site goals.
• Lead cross‑facility and cross‑functional project teams through the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) phases of the problem‑solving process.
• Utilize statistical process control methodologies to sustain improvement efforts; identify critical metrics, implement process control systems, and author standard operating procedures.
• Identify and remove barriers that impede process yield, cycle time, defect reduction, inventory reduction, waste elimination, and gross‑margin preservation.
• Collect and interpret manufacturing data to develop root‑cause analysis conclusions.
• Maintain open and frequent communication with leadership, operators, and other engineers regarding continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in or lead continuous improvement project reviews and provide coaching and guidance to project leaders.
• Lead Yellow and Green Belt trainings; certify Green Belts by analyzing data and tool usage from project reviews.
• Support efforts to identify, prioritize, and evaluate the business impact of strategic and tactical process improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Process Engineering to provide technical input to Product Development (R&D) on new product development processes, process capability, and control metrics.
• Work with Commercial and Product Management to determine future continuous improvement and cost improvement projects that deliver the greatest business benefit.
• Provide manufacturing capability information and improvement opportunities to Product Management to improve product margins.
• Track and communicate status of ongoing projects to business leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline (Materials, Metallurgical, Mechanical, Chemical, or equivalent); advanced degree is a plus.
• 3‑5 years of process engineering experience in a manufacturing setting or training in Lean Six Sigma or DMAIC methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead technical teams.
• Ability to manage multiple complex assignments or projects.
• Strong written and presentation skills.
• Willingness and eagerness to learn, receive, and provide coaching.
• Demonstrated history of operating with a sense of urgency and accountability.
• Proven record of working with strategic business teams to support top‑line and/or bottom‑line growth.

Salary

Salary range: $79,200‑$103,950. The salary range listed is a guide for this position and may vary depending on experience, education, geographic location, and other qualifications. The final offer will be determined based on the candidate’s individual merits and the company’s compensation policies.

Export Compliance

The selection of the person to be hired for this position is contingent on the candidate having export compliance eligibility for access to U.S. controlled technology, governed by ITAR and EAR. The candidate must qualify as a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee, or a national of a non‑prohibited country with a letter of assurance, or be approved for an export license. Any job offer that requires export‑license approval will be conditional on Materion’s determination that it can obtain an export license within a timeframe consistent with business requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Materion Corporation and its subsidiaries is an equal employment opportunity employer. The company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinances. The company also prohibits harassment based on these categories and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws concerning unemployment status in hiring decisions. The information collected in this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics.

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done that will ensure equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship. Please inform the company’s personnel representative if you need assistance completing any forms or otherwise participating in the application process.

Veteran Support

Materion’s Veteran Employee Resource group supports veterans and promotes the benefits of hiring veterans. Veterans are encouraged to apply; military experience and skills are transferrable to Materion careers.