Continuous Improvement Specialist

COLTS MANUFACTURING COMPANY LLC; West Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

COLTS Manufacturing Company LLC in West Hartford, CT is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist with a strong Lean foundation to drive operational excellence on the manufacturing floor. This role focuses on improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost through structured problem-solving, waste elimination, and data-driven process improvements.

The ideal candidate holds a BS in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent, has Lean experience, and can analyze production data.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Academic or internship experience with Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Basic knowledge of Six Sigma tools and structured problem-solving methods.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with ERP/MRP systems is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Able to spend extended time on the manufacturing floor.

Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement initiatives across machining, assembly, finishing, and support functions.
• Lead Lean events (Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, SMED, etc.).
• Identify and eliminate waste across all forms.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and throughput issues.
• Develop and maintain Standard Work documentation.
• Support root cause analysis using 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and A3 methods.
• Track and report KPIs: OEE, First Pass Yield, Scrap Rate, On-Time Delivery, Labor Efficiency.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to improve process capability.
• Assist with layout improvements and workflow optimization.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Lean principles

Data interpretation

Microsoft Excel

Cross-functional collaboration

Structured problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

BS in Industrial Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Six Sigma tools

Job description

Job Details
Job Location: W Hartford - West Hartford, CT 06110
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: BS Degree or Equivalent Experience
Salary Range: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00
SalaryTravel Percentage: None
Job Shift: Day
Job Category: Engineering
Position Summary

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Continuous Improvement Specialist with a strong foundation in Lean principles to support operational excellence within manufacturing operations. This role will focus on improving safety, quality, delivery, and cost through structured problem-solving, waste elimination, and data-driven process improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement initiatives across machining, assembly, finishing, and support functions.
• Assist in leading Lean events (Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, SMED, etc.).
• Identify and eliminate waste (overproduction, waiting, transportation, overprocessing, inventory, motion, defects).
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, scrap drivers, and throughput constraints.
• Develop and maintain Standard Work documentation.
• Support root cause analysis using tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and A3 problem-solving.
• Track and report KPIs including OEE, First Pass Yield, Scrap Rate, On-Time Delivery, and Labor Efficiency.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams to improve process capability and product flow.
• Assist with layout improvements and workflow optimization.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement on the production floor.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; or equivalent work experience
• Academic or internship experience with Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Basic knowledge of Six Sigma tools and structured problem-solving methods.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with ERP/MRP systems is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to spend extended time on the manufacturing floor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean certification (Yellow Belt or similar).
• Internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to CNC machining, precision assembly, or metal fabrication.
• Experience participating in Kaizen events or improvement projects.

Key Competencies

• Continuous improvement mindset
• Attention to detail
• Structured problem-solving
• Data-driven decision making
• Team collaboration
• Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment