Continuous Improvement Engineer (On Site Position)

Shields Manufacturing; Tualatin (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Shields Manufacturing in Tualatin, Oregon, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead Lean initiatives on the shop floor. This on-site role focuses on CNC machining improvements, waste reduction, and implementing Standard Work, 5S, TPM, and Kaizen events.

You will collaborate with machinists, supervisors, and engineers to deliver measurable year-over-year productivity gains. Candidates should have 3+ years in CI/Lean in manufacturing, knowledge of ERP/MES, and a technical bachelor's

Qualifications

• 3+ years in Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, or Process Improvement in manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with CNC machining and multi-axis milling/turning.
• Proficient with Lean and CI methodologies; experience leading Kaizen events.
• Strong analytical, data-driven decision making and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead Continuous Improvement projects to boost productivity, quality, cost, safety, and delivery.
• Collaborate with machinists, supervisors, engineers, and leaders to identify high-impact opportunities.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify improvement opportunities and drive sustained results.
• Facilitate Kaizen events from chartering to implementation and sustainment.
• Develop standardized work and visual performance boards; train staff in CI methods.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing Engineering

Problem Solving

Project Management

Excel

ERP/MES

CNC Machining

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

Infor10 ERP (Syteline)

ShopVue

Job description

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Engineer

Location: Tualatin OR

Salary range: $85K to $95K annually

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Precinmac is a leading diversified manufacturer of high-tolerance precision machined components and assemblies. The Precinmac brand represents ten independently owned companies in the United States and Canada. We focus on continuous improvement, on-time delivery, and the highest possible quality and consistency.

This is an On-Site Position based at our Shop Shields Manufacturing in Tualatin, Oregon. This is not a Remote Work Opportunity.

Make an Impact. Improve Processes. Drive Results.

Are you an engineer who enjoys being on the shop floor more than sitting behind a desk? Do you get excited about finding a better, faster, smarter way to do things?

We are looking for a Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our team in Tualatin, Oregon and help drive meaningful improvements across our CNC machining operations.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work directly with manufacturing teams to identify opportunities, solve problems, improve processes, reduce waste, and deliver measurable results. You'll lead Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives from identifying the opportunity through implementation and long-term sustainment.

This is a hands‑on role for someone who is action-oriented, analytical, collaborative, and passionate about manufacturing excellence.

What You'll Do

• Lead Continuous Improvement projects that improve productivity, quality, cost, safety, and delivery performance.
• Partner closely with machinists, supervisors, engineers, and leadership to identify and prioritize high-impact improvement opportunities.
• Analyze manufacturing data, including efficiency, scrap, rework, downtime, and delivery performance, to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Lead projects that achieve measurable year-over-year Variable Cost Productivity (VCP) improvements.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, from opportunity identification and project chartering through implementation, follow-up, and sustainable results.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles and tools such as 5S, SMED, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Visual Management, Mistake-Proofing, and TPM.
• Drive improvement ideas through our Precinmac Way huddle boards and TPW system, ensuring ideas move from identification to action.
• Develop and maintain standardized work and process documentation across the organization.
• Lead efforts to strengthen daily management and tiered visual performance boards, helping teams identify issues and take action quickly.
• Provide Lean and Continuous Improvement training to employees and project teams.
• Coach and develop employees in problem-solving and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Manage project timelines, objectives, documentation, savings calculations, approvals, and sustainability tracking.
• Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure improvements are practical, effective, and sustained over time.
• Help build a culture where continuous improvement is part of how we work every day.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• At least 3 years of Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, or Process Improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with manufacturing processes, preferably CNC machining, including multi-axis milling and turning.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading improvement projects or Kaizen events.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to turn data into actionable improvements.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and follow-through skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of an organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with ERP and/or MES systems.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification from a reputable training provider.
• Experience with Infor10 ERP (Syteline) and ShopVue.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events and developing internal Lean/CI capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes and manufacturing workflows.

What Makes You Successful in This Role

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Takes action rather than waiting for someone else to solve the problem.
• Enjoys spending time on the shop floor and working directly with manufacturing teams.
• Can identify the root cause of a problem and develop practical solutions.
• Uses data to make decisions and measure results.
• Can influence and engage people without relying solely on authority.
• Is comfortable managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Has the persistence to make sure improvements are implemented, measured, and sustained.
• Believes there is always a better way to do something.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a visible impact in a precision manufacturing environment. Your work will directly contribute to improving the way we manufacture products, helping our teams succeed, and strengthening our overall operational performance.

If you're an engineer who enjoys solving real manufacturing problems, working with people, and seeing your ideas become reality, we'd like to hear from you.

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be a "U.S. person" as defined by ITAR, including a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement:

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in compliance with all federal and state regulations. Precinmac provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.

Precinmac Values Statement:

We are bound by Trust; we express our Gratitude, we lead with Action, we are poised for Growth, and we are driven by Excellence.