Job Title: Continuous Improvement Engineer - Manufacturing
Duration: 12+ Months (Contract/Temp with the possibility of extension)
Shift: 1st Shift (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Pay Range: $40/hour W2
Job Description:
We are seeking an experienced Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive operational excellence and process improvements within a manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with Lean Manufacturing, process optimization, root cause analysis, and performance improvement initiatives.
Experience with Cycle Count Improvement and Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is mandatory. The successful candidate will work closely with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Production teams to improve productivity, reduce waste, enhance quality, and achieve measurable operational results.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and optimize manufacturing operations.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
- Conduct Value Stream Mapping (VSM), process assessments, workflow evaluations, and capacity analyses to identify bottlenecks and eliminate non-value-added activities.
- Drive cycle count improvement initiatives to enhance inventory accuracy, reduce discrepancies, and improve inventory control processes.
- Analyze manufacturing data, operational metrics, and performance trends to identify improvement opportunities.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions using 5 Whys, Fishbone Analysis, A3, and other structured problem-solving methods.
- Develop and maintain standard work procedures, visual management systems, KPI dashboards, and process documentation.
- Support cycle time reduction, labor utilization studies, line balancing, and production throughput improvement initiatives.
- Facilitate Kaizen events and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
- Monitor project results and establish controls to sustain improvements over time.
- Support employee engagement, training, and continuous improvement culture across manufacturing operations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, process engineering, or manufacturing improvement.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with Cycle Count Improvement - mandatory.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with Value Stream Mapping (VSM) - mandatory.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with Kaizen events, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and process optimization.
- Ability to analyze operational data and translate findings into actionable improvement plans.
- Experience developing standard work, KPIs, and performance measurement systems.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing or assembly operations.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001, quality management systems, and continuous improvement frameworks.
- Experience with visual management, operational dashboards, and KPI development.
- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, automation, digital manufacturing, or Industry 4.0 initiatives.
- Experience leading cross-functional improvement projects and organizational change initiatives.