Continuous Improvement Engineer - Lean Transformation Leader

Associated Materials Innovations; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wage

Growth opportunities

401K matching

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Premier culture

Job summary

Associated Materials Innovations is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead cross-functional CI initiatives across the division, partnering with plant teams to reduce costs, improve capacity and lead times, and strengthen working capital. You will mentor others and report to the Plant Manager.

You will apply lean principles, value stream thinking, and A3 problem solving to identify waste, design standardized work, and drive measurable improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or equivalent background is required.
• Minimum of three years' experience in continuous improvement, lean, or manufacturing roles.
• Proven track record of leading lean transformation or Toyota Way methodologies within manufacturing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision making.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities with stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement strategies to drive operational excellence and efficiency in manufacturing processes.
• Apply lean principles to identify waste, streamline processes, and optimize production flows.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership and coaching on lean principles and methodologies to project teams.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to measure impact of CI initiatives and inform decisions.
• Lead standardized work development to ensure consistency and efficiency across operations.
• Collaborate with senior management to align CI roadmap with strategic objectives.
• Support capital equipment justifications with data analysis for manufacturing enhancements.
• Act as a change agent to drive measurable process improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Quality/Operations/Supply Chain/Business

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Toyota Way

Value stream mapping

A3 Thinking

Job description

Associated Materials Innovations is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead cross-functional CI initiatives across the division, partnering with plant teams to reduce costs, improve capacity and lead times, and strengthen working capital. You will mentor others and report to the Plant Manager.

You will apply lean principles, value stream thinking, and A3 problem solving to identify waste, design standardized work, and drive measurable improvements.