Engineer, Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

Aptar Italia S.P.A.; Cary (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k & Retirement Savings plan

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Aptar is seeking an Engineer, Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement in Cary, IL to drive site-wide improvements. You will lead projects across production, logistics and quality, mentor Training Coordinators, and apply QRQC, A3 and DMAIC methods to deliver measurable results.

The role requires a BS in Engineering or related field, Six Sigma and Lean expertise, and a plan to obtain Aptar Black Belt certification within two years. Strong communication and project leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
• Six Sigma certification and Lean Management knowledge.
• Must obtain Aptar Black Belt Certification within 24 months of assuming the role.

Responsibilities

• Lead mid-scale continuous improvement projects across production, logistics, and quality.
• Supervise and mentor Training Coordinators and ensure effective execution of initiatives.
• Facilitate cross-functional teams using structured problem solving (QRQC, A3, DMAIC).
• Monitor KPIs (OEE, scrap, OTIF, downtime) and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure consistent use of OE tools (5S, SMED, TPM, GBS) across departments.
• Support digitalization efforts, including automated data collection and dashboards.
• Coordinate site readiness for AOS Self-Evaluations and improvement planning.
• Track cost savings incentives and update AIP savings.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Change management

Education

BS degree in Engineering/Operations Management

Six Sigma certification

Aptar Black Belt Certification within 24 months

Tools

Lean

Six Sigma

Digital transformation tools

Job description

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Engineer, Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

At Aptar, we use insights, design, engineering and science to create innovative packaging technologies that build brand value for our customers, and, in turn, make a meaningful difference in the lives, looks, health and homes of people around the world.

Every day, Aptar creates “a-ha moments” for its customers and their consumers and patients by continually bringing innovations to market that convert non-dispensing packaging into breakthrough product-dispensing systems, including those that give people more effective ways to put on their favorite fragrance, kids the opportunity to pour ketchup without making a mess and patients connected technologies that help them more easily adhere to treatment.

We have manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Asia and South America and over 13,000 dedicated employees in some 20 countries.

You should work here because we:

• Attract and develop high performing people.
• Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Allow for failure by allowing people to make mistakes through an open and trusting environment.
• Invest in the development of employees through local, regional and global career opportunities.
• Contribute to the communities where we reside.

What’s New with Aptar

We have an exciting position openfor an Engineer, Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement in our Cary, IL location. This role plays a critical role in driving continuous improvement across the Cary Campus. This role leads improvement projects, supervises/mentors OE Coordinators, and ensures consistent application of Lean and AOS tools. The OE Engineer will also ensure alignment between operational improvement initiatives and workforce development. This role partners with site leadership, APU Managers, and CI teams to foster a culture of excellence and deliver measurable results.

This is how your journey begins:

• Lead mid-scale continuous improvement projects across production, logistics, and quality.
• Supervise and mentor Training Coordinators, ensuring effective execution of improvement and training initiatives.
• Facilitate cross-functional teams using structured problem-solving methods (QRQC, A3, DMAIC).
• Monitor and analyze KPIs (OEE, scrap, OTIF, downtime) and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure consistent use of OE tools such as 5S, SMED, TPM, and GBS across departments.
• Support digitalization efforts, including automated data collection and dashboard reporting.
• Coordinate site readiness for AOS Self-Evaluations and improvement planning.
• Track and identify cost savings incentives and update and track AIP savings
• Oversee development and delivery of training programs in collaboration with Training Coordinators.
• Assess training effectiveness and ensure alignment with operational goals and OE strategies.
• Communicate performance insights and improvement opportunities to site leadership.
• Promote Aptar-e and #PrideforProductivity principles throughout the campus.

What You Will Bring on the Journey

Education

• BS degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
• Six Sigma certification and Lean Management knowledge.
• Must obtain Aptar Black Belt Certification within 24 months of assuming the role.

Experience

• Proven experience in project management and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma and digital transformation tools.

Skills

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence change across departments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and change management capabilities.
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills for effective communication at all organizational levels.
• Skilled in analyzing complex processes and implementing solutions that enhance operational efficiency.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality, organization and time management.

What We Offer:

• An exciting, diverse and value based working environment
• Award-winning corporate university offering personal development and training opportunities.
• Competitive base salary and performance-based bonus plan.
• Contribute to the communities where we reside.
• Innovative benefits plan which include: 401k & Retirement Savings plan, vacation, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, pet insurance, wellness plan, and generous paid maternity/paternity leave].

In compliance withpaytransparencyrequirements, thestarting salaryrange for this role is$95,000 – 120,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation orsalary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location.Aptaralso offers a variety of benefits, including health, life, and disability insurance, 401(k) match and employer retirement savings contribution, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, company-paid holidays, and more. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on location,payclass, or other factors.

Be You. Be Aptar

Aptar is an equal opportunities employer. We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our success. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.