Continuous Improvement Engineer - Pontiac

Interlake Mecalux, Inc.; Pontiac (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with company match

Paid Holidays and PTO

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Career development and advancement

Job summary

Interlake Mecalux, Inc. in Pontiac, IL is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to review production processes, identify opportunities, and drive corrective actions to boost efficiency.

You will conduct time and capability studies, apply Lean methods, perform root-cause analyses, and lead cost-benefit evaluations with ROI tracking.

This on-site role requires an Engineering degree, bilingual English/Spanish, and strong analytical skills to collaborate with engineers and plant leads.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in engineering; Master's preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• On-site role at Pontiac, IL location (100% on-site).

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze production processes to identify opportunities and recommend corrective actions.
• Evaluate plant layout and implement improvements with management.
• Conduct time and capability studies on processes.
• Apply Lean methodologies and poka-yoke to reduce waste.
• Identify root causes using fishbone diagrams and propose corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement projects with defined scope, resources, budgets, and timelines using visual tools.
• Collaborate with engineers, plant leads, and personnel to develop solutions.
• Perform cost-benefit analyses and evaluate ROI.
• Document project phases, KPIs, costs, and cycle times.
• Develop quality initiatives including maintenance audits.
• Lead root-cause analysis meetings addressing defects.
• Act as liaison between plant leads, operators, and management.
• Encourage improvement ideas via forms and weekly meetings.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Poka-yoke

Root cause analysis

Cost-benefit analysis

KPI analysis

Gantt charts

Kanban boards

Communication

Analytical skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Fishbone diagrams

Gantt charts

Kanban boards

Job description

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for reviewing and monitoring production processes to determine corrective actions within the Pontiac facility.

Responsibilities:

• Review and analyze production processes to identify opportunities for improvement and recommend corrective actions.
• Evaluate plant layout to ensure an efficient manufacturing process and implement improvements in coordination with management.
• Conduct time and capability studies on existing processes, considering tooling, equipment, personnel, material flow, and handling methods.
• Apply Lean methodologies, such as poka-yoke, to eliminate waste and enhance operational efficiency.
• Identify root causes of issues using tools like fishbone diagrams and propose corrective, preventive, and permanent solutions.
• Plan and lead continuous improvement projects, defining scope, required resources, budgets, and project timelines using Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and other visualization tools.
• Collaborate with engineers, plant leads, and key personnel to develop solutions based on study findings and industry best practices.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis for projects, evaluating ROI and expected performance improvements pre- and post-implementation.
• Document all project phases, including KPIs, costs, cycle times, and alignment with business objectives.
• Develop and implement quality initiatives, including preventative maintenance audits and gauge repeatability and reproducibility techniques.
• Lead root-cause analysis meetings to address quality defects, using data on equipment inefficiencies, downtime, and product defects to drive solutions.
• Act as a liaison between plant leads, operators, and management to ensure effective communication and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Encourage plant personnel to contribute improvement ideas through forms and weekly discussion meetings.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering an Master's degree preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Ability and desire to work on-site, in-office at our Pontiac, IL location 100%.
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced and changing environment.

We Offer:

• Competitive compensation.
• The ability to become a part of an industry-leading dynamic team with a high focus on delivering results and continuous improvement.
• 401(k) plan through Fidelity, with a generous company match; 100% vested immediately upon contributing and no waiting period to start participating.
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off with the option to cash out unused PTO every year.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield medical insurance plans, along with dental and vision benefits.
• Opportunities for career development and advancement; enhance your technical, specialized knowledge and gain new skills through promotions from within.