Continuous Improvement Leader 5

United Launch Alliance (ULA); Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Bonus eligibility

Generous PTO

Flexible work environments

Job summary

United Launch Alliance in Decatur, AL seeks a Continuous Improvement Leader to drive and embed process improvement across the factory, enhancing efficiency, quality, and performance.

The role requires Lean, Six Sigma, change management, and leadership; you will mentor teams, develop KPIs, and partner with senior leaders to shape transformation plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 8 years' experience in CI/Process improvement, with 2+ years in leadership.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Gemba or Obeya certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across all business areas.
• Promote Lean Enterprise systems and tools like Value Stream Mapping and 5S.
• Partner with leaders to develop transformation plans and KPIs.
• Lead kaizen events and cross-functional projects.
• Coach and train employees on Lean principles.
• Develop KPIs, dashboards, and reports for leadership.
• Collaborate with departments to standardize processes and reduce waste.
• Manage change effectively during implementations.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Gemba certification

Obeya methodology

Job description

Requisition ID: 1961

Location: ULA - Decatur

Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available

Travel Requirements: 10%

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

Job Overview & Responsibilities

As a Continuous Improvement Leader in Decatur, AL, this individual is responsible for driving and embedding process improvement across the factory to enhance efficiency, quality, and performance. This role requires a blend of technical expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies with leadership and change management skills.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Drive, facilitate, and support continuous improvement activities across all areas of the business, acting as a catalyst for a continuous improvement mindset
• Implement Lean Practices: Promote and guide the adoption of Lean Enterprise systems, including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Continuous Flow, TPM, Root Cause Analysis, and other process improvement tools
• Transformation & Strategy: Partner with senior leaders to develop transformation strategies, annual improvement plans, and long-range strategic plans aligned with organizational goals
• Kaizen & Events: Lead and participate in kaizen events, track progress, and ensure sustained gains; facilitate cross-functional improvement projects
• Training & Coaching: Deliver coaching, mentoring, and training on Lean principles, tools, and behaviors to empower employees at all levels
• Data & KPIs: Develop and maintain KPIs, dashboards, and reports to measure improvement impact and present progress to leadership
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with department leaders, field teams, and stakeholders to standardize processes, reduce waste, and improve operational performance
• Change Management: Manage change effectively, ensuring smooth implementation of new processes and systems

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years Of Experience

Minimum of 8 years of related work experience

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university
• 8 years of relevant experience including continuous improvement or process improvement roles, preferably in manufacturing, operations, or industrial environments, plus a minimum of 2 years of leadership, team leadership and/or project management experience
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Gemba, or Obeya methodology certification
• Proficiency in data analysis, problem-solving, and improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen)
• Strong communication, collaboration, facilitation, and influence skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.

We Offer Our Employees Competitive Pay And Benefits Including

• 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
• Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR).This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).

ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster ( English / Spanish ) and Right to Work Poster ( English / Spanish ).

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted.