Continuous Improvement Specialist

SIMCO, LLC; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 71,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Relocation assistance

Pension plan

Paid time off

On-site facilities

Job summary

SIMCO, LLC in Carlsbad, NM, seeks a Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives across the organization. The role leads cross‑functional teams, mentors staff, and executes structured projects from inception to completion.

Responsibilities include identifying bottlenecks, reducing waste, improving quality, cycle time, and safety while applying DMAIC, Kaizen events, and data-driven problem solving. Strong leadership and data analysis skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or bachelor’s degree with professional experience in process improvement.
• Experience leading DMAIC projects and Kaizen events across functions.
• Strong data-driven problem solving and statistical knowledge.
• Proven ability to mentor and train others in process excellence tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead, facilitate, and execute medium- to large-scale improvement projects.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methods to reduce waste and improve metrics.
• Mentor teams and drive standardized work and sustainable change.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration and track performance.
• Utilize DMAIC, FMEA, SPC and other tools to solve root causes.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

DMAIC

Kaizen

Data analysis

Project leadership

Mentoring

Communication

MS Office

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

High School Diploma

Tools

DMAIC

FMEA

SPC

Process mapping

Simulation

Job description

Continuous Improvement Specialist

Be part of the nation’s only repository for the disposal of nuclear waste known as Transuranic (TRU) waste. Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO), managing and operating contractor of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is currently seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Continuous Improvement Specialist and join our team located in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Responsibilities

We are looking for a dedicated Continuous Improvement Specialist (CIS) who is passionate about driving positive change and making a significant impact on our organization. The Continuous Improvement Specialist will lead, facilitate, and execute structured process improvement initiatives across the organization. Utilizing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, this role is responsible for identifying operational inefficiencies, eliminating waste, reducing process variation, and driving a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data-driven problem-solving, specifically Six Sigma principles, experience leading cross‑functional teams and Kaizen events, and a passion for mentoring others in process excellence tools.

What You’ll Do

CIS professionals are leaders who work to change the way people think about organizational norms, systems, and processes in pursuit of continuous improvement. They use technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills to solve complex problems. Using a variety of partnering, Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools, they facilitate and lead projects and programs that deliver measurable, sustainable results. They are effective communicators in their roles as leaders, mentors, trainers, and change agents.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Lead teams by understanding interdependencies of cross‑departmental ownership and involving stakeholders in the development of comprehensive solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms. Lead and engage cross‑functional teams, including department leaders, technical subject matter experts, frontline employees, laborers, and craft.

Project Leadership, Management & Execution

Lead, manage, facilitate, and execute medium- to large-scale continuous improvement projects from inception through completion with a high degree of autonomy. Apply a logical and structured problem-solving approach to deliver measurable improvements in quality, cycle time, cost, operational performance, and safety.

Data Analysis & Problem Solving

Apply data-driven problem-solving and Six Sigma methods to identify process bottlenecks, variation, inefficiencies, and waste. Tools may include Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Value Stream Mapping, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Root Cause Analysis, inferential statistics, process modeling, and simulation.

Kaizen Facilitation & Standardized Work

Plan, facilitate, and execute rapid-improvement Kaizen events with cross‑functional teams to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, improve process flow, and establish or strengthen standardized work instructions.

Along With

• Communication & Stakeholder Interaction
• Change Management & Sustainability
• Enterprise Impact
• Subject Matter Expertise
• Organizational Development, Teaching & Facilitation
• Training & Mentorship
• Performance Metrics & Reporting

Minimum Requirements

These requirements must be met to be considered for this posting. Uploaded resumes and completed applications are the means of determination. Applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter that addresses each of the minimum requirements and as many of the desired skills as applicable to their expertise.

Education and Experience

• Master's degree and one (1) year of professional experience, or
• Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of professional experience, or
• Associate's degree with seven (7) years of professional experience, or
• High School Diploma or Equivalency with eleven (11) years of professional experience is required.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must be authorized to work and remain in the United States without SIMCO visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must be able to obtain a Department of Energy badge for access to the WIPP Site (even if teleworking, must still be able to comply with security requirements to obtain a badge).
• Non-U.S. citizens from countries identified by the Department of Energy as posing heightened security concerns—including sensitive countries, state sponsors of terrorism, countries of risk, and other designated countries –are subject to additional security requirements that limit site access.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience leading "Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control" (DMAIC) process improvement projects, Kaizen events, and/or multi-site or multi-organizational meetings.
• Demonstrated experience applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve quality, cycle time, cost, safety, workflow, and process performance.
• Basic data analysis acumen and understanding of how to develop algorithms using logic and conditional statements; ability to learn and perform statistical data analysis and simulation modeling.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio, with the ability to learn and use relevant software programs.
• Strong people skills and demonstrated effectiveness as a communicator, facilitator, team player, mentor, trainer, and change agent.
• Strategic, creative, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Project and program management skills with strong influential leadership capabilities and the ability to drive performance across areas of responsibility.
• Ability to effectively interface with a diverse range of stakeholders, including laborers, craft, frontline staff, senior management, technical SMEs, internal customers, and external customers.
• Ability to work independently with personal motivation; adaptable and committed to achieving objectives while navigating obstacles.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is recommended

Salary Range

$70,972 to $145,184 per year. Exempt grade level(s) 28-32. The specific salary offered to a candidate will be influenced by a variety of factors, particularly the candidate’s relevant experience and education.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental and vision insurance:
  • Coverage on date of hire
  • Surgical concierge service
  • EAP services including wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling and more
• Modern work arrangements to include 4-day workweeks (four 10-hour days)*
• Relocation assistance*
• Shuttle commuter service from the local areas
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement program
• On-site fitness center and other wellness support including some public gym membership reductions
• Company paid short term disability
• Company paid life insurance (1x annual salary)
• Pension plan that provides monthly annuity after retirement and 401(k) with .50 matching up to 6%
• Voluntary benefits of:
  • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
  • Long-term disability program
  • Health and Flexible savings accounts
  • Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • These benefits vary by position.

Equal Opportunity

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

If you are an applicant with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability—or unable to use—the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact [phone] or email [e-mail] for assistance. Upon receipt of this information, we will respond to you promptly to obtain more information about your request.

Reviews, and tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4, will be conducted by SIMCO and a background investigation by the Federal government may be required to obtain an access authorization prior to employment, and subsequent reinvestigations may be required.

Posting Duration: This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the posting date. SIMCO reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.