Continuous Improvement Specialist

FTAI Aviation; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

FTAI Aviation seeks a Continuous Improvement Specialist to support its Transformation & Operational Excellence team in driving efficiency and growth across the Miami facility and other locations. You will identify opportunities, lead CI initiatives, and collaborate with quality, engineering, and supply chain to streamline processes and boost productivity.

Ideal candidates bring Lean/CI expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to guide cross-functional teams in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, aviation maintenance, or related discipline.
• 5 years of experience in an MRO environment, continuous improvement, aviation engine shop, or complex manufacturing operation.
• Fluent in English and Spanish; strong problem‑solving and Lean/Six Sigma knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and turnaround time.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to improve engine disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and test processes.
• Identify bottlenecks and develop solutions to improve shop-floor processes, workflow, and resource utilization.
• Develop and maintain standard work, visual management systems, and process documentation.
• Track and report KPIs such as TAT, WIP levels, scrap/rework rates, labor efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Use statistical tools to identify trends, variation, and improvement opportunities.
• Build dashboards and reporting mechanisms to support daily management and decision-making.
• Partner with quality, engineering, supply chain, and production to drive frontline ownership.
• Train employees in Lean fundamentals, problem-solving, and standard work practices.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through coaching, workshops, and daily Gemba walks.
• Support 5S, visual controls, and workplace organization.
• Implement improvements that support growth and scalability.
• Review and update procedures and work instructions for clarity.

Skills

Lean

Six Sigma

Structured problem-solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/related discipline

Job description

The Continuous Improvement Specialist will support the Transformation & Operational Excellence team in driving operational efficiency, business growth, and process optimization across the Miami facility and other FTAI Aviation locations. This role focuses on identifying improvement opportunities, leading CI initiatives, and supporting day‑to‑day operational needs—not on quality engineering or regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate brings strong problem‑solving capabilities, experience in Lean/CI methodologies, and the ability to partner with cross‑functional teams to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and facilitate Continuous Improvement initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency, and turnaround time.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to improve engine disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and test processes.
• Identify bottlenecks and develop solutions to improve shop‑floor processes, workflow, and resource utilization.
• Develop and maintain standard work, visual management systems, and process documentation.
• Track and report KPIs such as TAT, WIP levels, scrap/rework rates, labor efficiency, and on‑time delivery.
• Use statistical tools to identify trends, variation, and improvement opportunities.
• Build dashboards and reporting mechanisms to support daily management and decision‑making.
• Partner with key partners (quality, engineering, supply chain, production) to gather insight on processes to drive frontline ownership, validate process changes to initiate optimal performance.
• Train employees in Lean fundamentals, problem‑solving, and standard work practices.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through coaching, workshops, and daily Gemba walks.
• Support implementation of 5S, visual controls, and workplace organization.
• Implement improvements that support business growth objectives and operational scalability.
• Review and update procedures, work instructions, and operational documentation as needed, ensuring clarity and alignment with improved processes.
• Track CI project performance, measure results, and report progress to leadership.
• Support facility layout improvements to optimize flow, space utilization, and productivity.
• Maintain documentation related to CI initiatives, project approvals, and internal communication (clarified from previous version).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, aviation maintenance, or related discipline.
• 5 Years of experience in an MRO environment, continuous improvement, aviation engine shop, or complex manufacturing operation.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and experience with structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Experience leading cross‑functional improvement initiatives.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.

Job Demands:

Work is performed in a Shop environment and requires the ability to perform extensive standing, driving, walking, and climbing; to lift up to 50lbs. regularly; to manipulate up to 100lbs. with assistance. Must be able to bend, stoop, climb to reach materials, and work in a noisy environment.