Madison: Continuous Improvement Engineer – Lean & Kaizen

Placon Corp.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Placon Corp. in Madison, WI, is seeking an experienced Operations Excellence Engineer to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. You will partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and other teams to deliver measurable operational gains.

The role requires hands-on problem-solving, data-driven decision making, and expertise in Lean techniques to optimize safety, quality, and efficiency. This position offers career growth and a strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with hands-on process troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of plastic materials.
• Hands-on experience leading RCCA problem-solving activities.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques and SPC.
• Ability to learn and utilize MRP/ERP systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter with a hands-on approach and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and employee engagement
• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities through operational data, process observations, employee feedback, and performance trends
• Apply Lean manufacturing principles and tools to eliminate waste, reduce variation, improve process flow, and increase operational efficiency
• Improve production efficiencies through increased cycle rates and labor optimization methods
• Identify opportunities to improve Yield, Uptime, Efficiency, MUV, and other key operational metrics
• Facilitate Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and cross-functional problem-solving activities
• Develop sustainable systems, standards, and problem-solving capabilities within Operations teams
• Ensure Daily Visual Management programs are implemented and utilized effectively
• Analyze operational performance data and drive corrective actions as needed
• Support organizational objectives and perform additional duties as assigned

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Data analysis

RCCA

SPC

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

Placon Corp. in Madison, WI, is seeking an experienced Operations Excellence Engineer to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. You will partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and other teams to deliver measurable operational gains.

The role requires hands-on problem-solving, data-driven decision making, and expertise in Lean techniques to optimize safety, quality, and efficiency. This position offers career growth and a strong benefits package.