Continuous Improvement Specialist

Advanced Heat Treat Corp; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telehealth

Employee Assistance Program

Medical

401k match

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Advanced Heat Treat Corp. invites a Continuous Improvement Specialist to join a family‑oriented, values‑driven team in Waterloo, Iowa. You will deploy CI programs across multiple facilities, lead lean initiatives, and collaborate with plant managers to drive lasting improvement.

You will travel to Monroe, MI and Cullman, AL roughly every other month for 3–5 days to support projects, teach Kaizen, and ensure efficient processes. CAD tooling design aligns with customer needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or industrial engineering.
• Six Sigma certification preferred.
• 2+ years proven continuous improvement leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Administers deployment of the continuous improvement program across the organization and facilities.
• Leads Kaizen, Lean initiatives, and Six Sigma projects.
• Tracks data and maintains records of CI activities.
• Presents CI updates to the management team quarterly.
• Leads facility CI champions and coordinates improvement actions.
• Designs tooling and processes to meet customer needs, using CAD software.

Skills

Organized

Self-motivated

Time management

Project confidence

Positive attitude

Continuous improvement

Active listening

Problem solving

Communication skills

Self-starter

Decision making

CAD software

Values-driven

Education

Bachelors in manufacturing/industrial engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

About Advanced Heat Treat Corp.

Advanced Heat Treat's vision is Exceeding Customer Expectations with UltraGlowing Results! With our 40+ years of heat treat experience and 20+ services, we've helped solve part problems that have impacted agricultural equipment, commercial airplanes, vehicles and much more! From the jobs of a small machine shop to a multi-million dollar aerospace project, we find solutions.

AHT has four strategically located facilities: two in Waterloo, Iowa; one in Monroe, Michigan; and one in Cullman, Alabama. We offer the highest standards of quality-ISO/TS16949, FFL and NADCAP certified. AHT offers its UltraGlow® surface treatment processes for engineered steel, cast iron, stainless steel and titanium parts. AHT is recognized as a worldwide leader in the heat treat market.

Continuous Improvement Specialist

If you are motivated to be part of a values-driven company, are a proven Continuous Improvement professional, and like working in a fast-paced environment of a smaller (but more nimble) organization, join our team as our Continuous Improvement Specialist!

You would be working for a family-owned business with a friendly atmosphere at one of our Waterloo, Iowa locations. While this role is based in Iowa, Continuous Improvement happens where the work is being done. You can expect to travel to our Monroe, Michigan and Cullman, Alabama locations approximately every other month for three to five days at a time.

The right candidate understands that successful CI implementation may occasionally require more frequent travel or longer stays to build relationships, support teams, and ensure lasting results.

Responsibilities:

• Administers the deployment of AHT's continuous improvement program and lean initiatives throughout the organization and at all facilities by leading, directing, supporting, coordinating, training and promoting that philosophy by utilizing Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, 6 Sigma and/or Value Stream Mapping activities
• Strategizes to help set yearly program goals and is responsible for making sure the goals are met
• Tracks data and maintains records of continuous improvement activities
• Presents on continuous improvement to the management team quarterly
• Leads facility continuous improvement champions in coordinating individual facility improvement actions
• Provides hands‑on support to all departments to truly understand improvement needs and implement changes
• Will learn by doing various production processes throughout the organization to connect improvement opportunities to help drive success
• Uses continuous improvement methodologies to improve and help implement EHS programs.
• Works with Plant Managers to ensure continuous improvement activities are being promoted throughout their facility and to provide design inputs for shop floor rearrangements, equipment design and equipment capacities
• Design and help implement tooling to meet customer needs using CAD software

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, manufacturing engineering technology, industrial engineering, and/or 2 plus years of proven continuous improvement leadership experience
• Six Sigma certification preferred

Qualifications/Competencies:

• Highly organized and self‑motivated with effective time management skills. Project self‑confidence, enthusiasm, and a positive "can do" attitude
• Strong listening and proven continuous improvement skills
• Able to successfully solve issues and work to maintain existing systems
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to self‑start
• Judgement- display willingness to make decisions, exhibit sound judgement, and make timely decisions
• Must have experience using CAD software
• Committed to AHT Family Values of Passion, Integrity, Teamwork, Service, Loyalty and Professionalism

Why Join the AHT Family?

On top of invaluable knowledge and ground up training, our culture and benefits are pretty awesome!

• Pay: Competitive pay based on experience and initiative. Your effort and desire determine your success, advancement, and profitability.
• Benefits: Telehealth, Employee Assistance Program, medical, dental 401k match and MORE.
• Quality of Life Benefits: Lucrative PTO structure and paid holidays. After all, making a life is just as important …
• Loyalty and Job Security: A committed ...
• Culture: We like ... check ... https://www.facebook.com/AdvHeatTreat/

AHT is an Equal Opportunity Provider/ Affnancial Action.