Continuous Improvement Technician

Carlisle Brake & Friction Inc; Medina (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Carlisle Brake & Friction Inc seeks a Continuous Improvement Technician to drive Lean initiatives on the production floor, partnering with operations, maintenance, engineering, and quality to identify waste and raise performance.

You will lead Kaizen events, support problem-solving activities, manage data collection and value stream analyses, train teams in 10‑Step methods, and sustain CMOS practices company‑wide.

Qualifications

• Experience applying Lean principles in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to facilitate Kaizen events and problem-solving sessions.
• Experience training and coaching employees in lean concepts.
• Familiarity with CMOS, visual management and standard work practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects on the shop floor.
• Coordinate data collection, value stream analysis and event preparation.
• Develop timelines, track actions, and communicate progress to leadership.
• Coach and train employees on lean concepts and problem-solving methods.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering and quality to sustain improvements.

Skills

Kaizen

Value stream mapping

Problem solving

Team training

Visual management

Tools

CMOS

Tier Boards

5S/6S

Job description

Continuous Improvement Technician

Summary of Position:

The Continuous Improvement Technician is responsible for supporting and driving continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility on their assigned shift by applying Lean Manufacturing principles, structured problem-solving techniques, and employee engagement strategies. Reporting directly to the Plant Operations Manager, this position serves as a hands‑on facilitator and champion of operational excellence, helping departments identify waste, improve productivity, enhance safety, and strengthen quality performance.

This role works closely with production, maintenance, engineering, quality, materials, and leadership teams to execute change activities, support continuous improvement projects, and sustain lean systems on their assigned shifts.

Essential Functions:

Lean Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Demonstrate a passion for continuous improvement and actively identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.
• Manage incoming Kaizen suggestions, evaluate improvement opportunities, and coordinate implementation efforts.
• Facilitate and support Kaizen events, rapid improvement workshops, waste reduction projects, and problem-solving activities.
• Coordinate project planning activities including data collection, process observation, value stream analysis, and event preparation.
• Develop project timelines, track action items, and communicate progress to stakeholders and leadership.
• Maintain and update visual management systems, project boards, and continuous improvement metrics.

Lead and support implementation of Lean Manufacturing tools including:

• 6S Workplace Organization
• Standard Work
• Visual Management
• Problem Solving
• Root Cause Analysis
• Waste Elimination
• Value Stream Improvement
• Daily Management Systems
• Support the deployment and sustainability of CMOS and best practices throughout the facility.

Training & Employee Development:

• Complete and maintain training in Lean Business System tools, LBC modules, 10-Step Problem Solving, facilitation techniques, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Train, coach, and mentor employees, supervisors, and team members on lean concepts and improvement tools.
• Facilitate employee involvement and encourage participation in continuous improvement efforts at all levels of the organization.
• Assist leadership in evaluating effectiveness and sustainability of implemented improvements.

Operational Support & Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, logistics, and administrative departments to achieve improvement objectives.
• Learn and utilize CMOS standard lean formats and processes including Tier Boards, visual management systems, and operational reviews.
• Analyze operational data, observe processes, and recommend practical solutions to improve plant performance.
• Support implementation and sustainment of plant strategic initiatives and CMOS objectives.

Department Specific / Additional Responsibilities:

• Continue development of technical and lean manufacturing skills through formal training, workshops, certifications, and on-the-job learning.
• Coordinate lean training schedules and support development plans with supervisors and management.
• Support implementation of safety, environmental, quality, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Promote and maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, environmental concerns, incidents, or operational risks.
• Participate in cross-functional teams and support company initiatives focused on employee engagement, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Assist with auditing and sustaining established lean systems and standard work practices.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.