Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer

HIKINEX; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

HIKINEX is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer based in Ohio. This role focuses on leading Continuous Improvement initiatives at plants to enhance efficiency and support new product launches. Key responsibilities include conducting kaizen events, coaching plant teams, and ensuring that manufacturing processes meet performance KPIs. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering and possess 3-8 years of experience in a related role. The position requires travel up to 50% of the time.

Qualifications

• 3 to 8 years of related experience in continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong TPS and CI skills, able to coach and mentor.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and design software.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Continuous Improvement subject matter expert for the company.
• Conduct kaizen events and implement best practices across plants.
• Assist in product launch activities to meet cost KPIs.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Coaching and Training

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

The Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer is part of the company's corporate Engineering team and will be based at one of the plant locations in Monroe, OH; Jackson, TN; Somerset, KY; or Valparaiso, IN. This position will lead the Continuous Improvement focus at the plant level while also supporting new product launch activities. The Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer will serve as the primary resource for Continuous Improvement team training and assist the plants in sustaining gains achieved through CI efforts. This position will support kaizen events at the plants and will drive best practice standardization across all plant locations. This position will also support new product launch activities at the plants, with the goal of achieving all KPIs at the cost sheet level at the start of production.

What you will do at the company:

• Serve as the Continuous Improvement subject matter expert for the company.
• Schedule and participate in kaizen events, including cycle time analysis, brainstorming, problem-solving, standard work, setup reduction, 5S, cell layout, visual management, and error-proofing activities in the plants.
• Coach, train, and mentor plant Continuous Improvement team members on TPS and CI principles.
• Support best practice implementation and standardization across all plants through consistent communication and visits to other plant locations.
• Assist production operations in driving manufacturing efficiency improvements across all plants using process improvement tactics, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and kaizen.
• Update and maintain all Continuous Improvement procedures and standards within the Docushare database.
• Assist with product launch activities at the plants to ensure processes are developed to meet all cost sheet KPIs, including labor content, cycle time/PPH, and scrap levels.
• Maintain systems used to supply trial production data for launch report card maintenance.
• Provide clear work instructions, training, and system designs to support the sustainability of improvements.
• Support Agile tasks related to product launch inputs such as environmental and safety analysis, process layout, trial reports, and PFMEAs.
• Provide feedback to corporate Project and Tooling Engineering Managers to ensure equipment and tooling standards are updated based on plant best practices.
• Promote and drive efficiency and safety at the plants.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you will bring to the company:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or an equivalent field from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong TPS and CI skills, with the ability to coach, mentor, and train team members.
• 3 to 8 years of related experience and/or training in continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• High level of technical aptitude with a strong understanding of systems, equipment, and processes.
• Hands‑on experience and the ability to troubleshoot complex manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and boards of directors.
• Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts and principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of practical and technical problems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as Internet tools, AutoCAD, and design software.

Required knowledge and understanding:

• TPS and Continuous Improvement principles
• Lean Manufacturing
• Proficiency in AutoCAD

Travel Requirements:

• This position requires travel up to 50% of the time.