Engineer - Continuous Improvement

Cadrex; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Education support program

Life insurance

Job summary

Cadrex is seeking a hands-on Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive a culture of continuous improvement across manufacturing operations. You will lead Lean initiatives, perform time studies and capacity analyses, and collaborate with multiple departments to reduce waste and improve safety, quality, and productivity.

The role requires 6+ years in manufacturing or CI, strong problem-solving skills, and fluency in Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, industrial engineering, or continuous improvement.
• Bilingual strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and CI methodologies.
• Experience with structured problem solving methods (A3, 8D, DMAIC).
• Excellent analytical and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and Office applications.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and related methods.
• Implement visual management to expose abnormalities and resolve issues.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to measure operational performance and savings.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and leadership.
• Conduct time studies, workflow analyses, and capacity assessments to optimize operations.
• Support standardized work instructions and best practices.
• Lead problem-solving using A3, 8D, and DMAIC techniques.
• Identify and implement cost reduction while maintaining safety and quality.
• Train employees on Lean principles and CI tools.
• Participate in new equipment installations, process validations, and line improvements.
• Ensure compliance with policies, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Prepare reports and presentations on progress, savings, and improvements.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Structured problem solving

Analytical skills

Project management

MS Excel

MS Office

Communication skills

Bilingual

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

All Jobs > Engineer - Continuous Improvement

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.

Requirements

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 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

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.