Continuous Improvement Engineer II

A. O. Smith Corp.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical and dental insurance

Tuition assistance

Retirement plan

Job summary

A.O. Smith Corp. in Ashland City, Tennessee, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer II to drive operating system initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost efficiency.

You will lead CI projects, analyze data, create process maps, facilitate Kaizen events, and coach teams in Lean methods while collaborating with IT to adopt transformative technologies that sustain gains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field is required.
• 3+ years of related work experience or training.
• Change management skills with ability to drive adoption.
• Strong business acumen and cost-conscious decision making.
• Solid understanding of Lean manufacturing principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects to optimize workflows and productivity.
• Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies and implement cost-reducing solutions.
• Develop and maintain process maps; support frontline teams with Standard Work instructions.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and apply RCA and Lean methods to solve problems.
• Design measurement systems and KPIs to track improvement impact and sustainability.
• Train and mentor staff in CI tools and methodologies; promote a culture of improvement.
• Manage project timelines and communicate progress to stakeholders.
• Document improvement activities and share knowledge across the organization.
• Collaborate with IT to enable technology solutions supporting process innovation.

Skills

Change Management

Business Acumen

Cost Consciousness

Strategic Thinking

Adaptability

Innovation

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

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Date: Sep 12, 2026

Location(s): Ashland City, TN, US, 37015

Business Unit: NAWH

Workplace Setting: Onsite

Company / Location Information

A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Primary Function

The Continuous Improvement Engineer II is responsible for driving the development and execution of Continuous Improvement initiatives (AO Smith Operating Systems) aimed at optimizing business operations, and the advancement of a culture of continuous improvement by supporting the adoption and consistent application of AOSos throughout the organization. This role is key in identifying opportunities to enhance processes, improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost reduction, all in alignment with organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects, utilizing basic and advanced CItools to optimize workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance productivityacross production processes.
• Monitor, collect and analyze production and process data to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities. Recommend and implement solutions to reduce time, waste, and costs while improving efficiency.
• Develop and maintain process maps. Support front line teams in their development and deployment of standards including job instructions.
• Facilitate problem-solving sessions, Kaizen events, and workshops to address operational challenges, applying root cause analysis (RCA) and Lean methodologies to eliminate waste and enhance processes.
• Design and implement measurement systems, including KPIs, to track and evaluate the effectiveness of process improvements and sustainability.
• Train and mentor team members on continuous improvement tools and methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and empowering staff in executing and leading improvement activities.
• Monitor and manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables, collaborating with teams to resolve issues, ensure effective communication, and meet project objectives.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on project outcomes, recommendations, and progress to stakeholders and site leadership.
• Maintain comprehensive records of improvement activities, ensuring transparency and facilitating knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Collaborate with IT and systems teams to support appropriate technology solutions to adopt innovation in business processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
• 3+ years of related work experience or training
• Change Management - Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals.
• Adaptability - Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Innovation - Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Excellent understanding of Lean Manufacturing processes and concepts

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.
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ADA Statement & EEO Statement

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status.

We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.

Nearest Major Market: Nashville
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