Engineer - Continuous Improvement

Cadrex; Bloomingdale (IL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Cadrex is seeking a hands-on Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive Lean initiatives and optimize safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance across our manufacturing operations.

You will lead cross-functional teams to eliminate waste, improve process capability, and establish a culture of continuous improvement. This role requires practical problem-solving, data-driven decision making, and strong collaboration with production, engineering, quality and maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in manufacturing process improvement and Lean/Six Sigma.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen and other methods.
• Implement visual management to expose issues and drive action.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and value stream mapping sessions.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to measure performance and savings.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, maintenance and supply chain.
• Conduct time studies, workflow analyses, and capacity assessments.
• Support standardized work instructions and best practices.
• Lead problem-solving using A3, 8D, and DMAIC.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities while maintaining safety and quality.
• Train staff on Lean principles and problem-solving tools.
• Support new equipment installations and process validations.
• Ensure compliance with policies, quality standards and safety.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Structured problem solving

Project management

Excel

Communication

Bilingual

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Cadrex is seeking a hands on, Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive our culture of continuous improvement forward. This role is responsible for developing and implementing process improvements that enhance safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance throughout the manufacturing operation. This role partners with cross-functional teams to drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives, eliminate waste, improve process capability, and establish a culture of continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other process improvement methodologies.
• Implement visual management strategies to expose abnormality and resolve issues.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and root cause analysis activities.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance and improvement results.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and leadership teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Conduct time studies, workflow analyses, and capacity assessments to optimize manufacturing operations.
• Support the development and implementation of standardized work instructions and best practices.
• Lead problem-solving efforts using structured methodologies such as A3, 8D, and DMAIC.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality and safety standards.
• Train employees on Lean principles, continuous improvement tools, and problem-solving techniques.
• Participate in new equipment installations, process validations, and production line improvements.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing project progress, savings, and operational improvements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 6+ years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, industrial engineering, or continuous improvement preferred.
• Bilingual strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with structured problem solving methods.
• Strong analytical and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field or equivalent industry experience.

LOCATION

Onsite up to 4 days a week will transition to 3 days on site after the first year, with up to 35% travel expected

SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, vibration, hot parts & sharp edges. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and occasionally loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

CADREX CORE VALUES

Safety first, rising to the challenge, collaboration, accountability, and doing the right thing

TOTAL COMPENSATION INCLUDES

• Health/dental/vision coverage
• Employer-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off and holiday pay
• Monthly remote work stipend (for remote employees who qualify)
• 401(k) investment plan, with an employer match of up to 4%
• Education support program
• Safety eyeglasses/shoe reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan for all full-time employees

ABOUT US

CADREX Manufacturing Solutions is a leading provider of complex sheet metal and machined production parts, assemblies, and weldments for a variety of end markets, including electrical transmission and distribution, warehouse automation, technology, aerospace & defense, medical, food, and industrials. With locations in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Monterrey Mexico, CADREX offers numerous in-house manufacturing capabilities, including laser cutting, sheet metal fabrication, complex assembly, CNC punching, CNC machining, forming, robotic welding, stamping, fastener insertion, and tool and die manufacturing, to effectively serve customers with lights-out manufacturing capabilities for mid- to high-volume production. For more information, visit www.cadrex.com.

Cadrex provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.