Continuous Improvement Engineer III

Zone5Technologies; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company-match

Paid time off 4 weeks

Company holidays 12 days

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Zone 5 Technologies in California is seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Engineer III to own complex manufacturing processes across multiple UAV assemblies. You will lead process development, drive cost and waste reductions, and push continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced, aerospace-focused environment.

Collaborating with engineers, production technicians, and operations teams, you will mentor junior engineers, support PFMEA, capacity planning, and supplier audits while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 5-7 years of industrial, manufacturing, or process engineering experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, Black Belt preferred.
• Demonstrated use of Lean Manufacturing principles and production systems.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and methods including flow, layout, assembly, and production equipment.
• Experience leading process improvement projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with data and visualization tools such as Excel, Power BI, Visio, or similar software preferred.
• Experience applying statistical analysis tools, including SPC, process capability analysis, hypothesis testing, and DOE, to drive data-based process improvements.
• Strong analytical, communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional process development initiatives for complex UAV assemblies.
• Support PFMEA efforts with design and manufacturing engineering teams.
• Oversee business process improvement initiatives for policy and strategy development.
• Develop and deploy site-wide Lean initiatives and standards.
• Resolve complex production issues with Lean manufacturing principles.
• Lead capacity planning and production scaling initiatives.
• Mentor Industrial Engineer I-II personnel.
• Lead supplier audits, customer reviews, and compliance activities.
• Follow AS9100, safety, and configuration control requirements.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Statistical tools

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

B.S. in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Visio

Job description

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

TheContinuous ImprovementEngineerIIIownscomplexmanufacturing processesand supports production across multiple assemblies or programs. This roleleads process improvement and development, costand waste reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.Tasks and responsibilities expected for this role include those captured by lower role specificlevels.

This role involves working closely with engineers,production technicians, and operations teams to supportmultiple programs and value streams.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadcross-functional process development initiativesfor complex UAV assemblies
• SupportPFMEA efforts withdesignand manufacturing engineering teams
• Overseasbusiness process improvement initiativesfor policy and strategy development
• Develop and deploysite-wide Lean initiatives and standards
• Resolvecomplex, cross-disciplinaryproductionissues with Lean Manufacturing principles
• Lead capacity planning and production scaling initiatives
• Mentor Industrial Engineer I-II personnel
• Leadssupplieraudits, customer reviews, and compliance activities
• Follow AS9100, safety, and configuration control requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent experience)
• 5-7yearsofindustrial,manufacturing,orprocess engineeringexperience
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, Black Belt preferred
• DemonstrateduseofLean Manufacturingprinciples and production systems
• Strongunderstanding of manufacturing processes andmethods including flow, layout, assembly, and production equipment
• Experience leading process improvement projects in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with data and visualization tools such as Excel,Power BI, Visio, or similar software preferred
• Experience applying statistical analysistools, including SPC, process capability analysis, hypothesis testing, and DOE, to drivedata-based process improvements
• Stronganalytical,communication,facilitation,andproblem-solvingskills
• Demonstrated leadership and continuous improvement mindset

Pay range for this role: $112,000 — $135,000 USD

What's in it for you

Benefits:

• Competitive total compensation package
• Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
• 401k with company-match
• 4 weeks of paid time off each year
• 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

• Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.