Continuous Improvement Supervisor LPC

Precision Castparts; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Precision Castparts seeks a hands-on Continuous Improvement Supervisor to lead CI activities across the facility, partnering with production, engineers, and operators to implement Lean tools and sustain improvements.

The role involves facilitating CI planning cycles, performing time studies and value stream mapping, and driving standardized work and waste reduction to improve throughput and productivity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field.
• 3+ to 5+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, or CI leadership roles.
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing environments required; investment casting preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma certification highly preferred.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement plans and CI events (Kaizen, 6S, VSM, SMED).
• Coach supervisors, engineers, and operators to build Lean capability.
• Identify high-value opportunities through data-driven analysis and present recommendations.
• Drive standardized work, line balancing, waste elimination, and cycle-time reduction.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field

Job description

Mission

The Continuous Improvement Supervisor is a hands-on leader responsible for supporting daily continuous improvement activities within the facility. This role partners closely with production supervisors, engineers, and operators to implement Lean tools, solve operational problems, and help sustain improvements. The position may require limited travel to participate in training, support cross-site initiatives, or share best practices.

Principal Accountabilities

• Develop, maintain, and communicate elements of the facility’s Continuous Improvement Plan, including types of CI events such as Kaizen, 6S, VSM, and SMED; prioritization and expected impact; and targeted departments, functional areas, and KPIs
• Facilitate CI planning cycles with site leadership to ensure alignment to business goals and operational commitments
• Identify high-value opportunities through data-driven analysis and present recommendations to area leadership.
• Support the implementation of a structured 6S and Continuous Improvement Program
• Conduct time studies, bottleneck analysis, and process mapping to identify inefficiencies
• Drive implementation of standardized work, line balancing, waste elimination initiatives, and cycle-time reduction strategies
• Participate in structured root-cause investigations using 5 Whys, Fishbone, DMAIC, and other methodologies to address recurring quality and operational challenges
• Support implementation of in-process inspection systems, operator training programs, and mistake-proofing measures to reduce scrap and improve first-pass yield.
• Drive improvements in throughput, equipment utilization, lead time, and labor productivity
• Facilitate Kaizen events, problem-solving workshops, and cross-functional CI activities
• Provide ongoing coaching to supervisors, engineers, operators, and technicians to build Lean capability and a culture of continuous learning
• Act as an internal resource to guide improvement activities and ensure sustainment of improvements.
• Establish and maintain performance tracking tools and dashboards
• Report CI progress, savings, and KPI impacts to plant leadership
• Ensure all initiatives deliver measurable and sustainable results aligned with the Continuous Improvement Plan.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be accepted
• Three to five or more years of experience in operations, manufacturing, or continuous improvement leadership roles
• Experience in aerospace manufacturing environments required, investment casting preferred
• Lean Six Sigma certification highly preferred
• Strong leadership, facilitation, project management, and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to influence and drive change across teams. Must be self-motivated, able to multi-task and work independently.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to spend most hours of workday walking and standing on manufacturing floor; conditions may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, temperature extremes and other elements for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to frequently lift/push/pull to move objects up to 35lbs without assistance, see, stand, walk, read, and write. Must be able to regularly type, use hands to manipulate objects, bend/stoop, and climb ladders and stairs.