Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Engineer

Interlake Mecalux; Pontiac Township (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Interlake Mecalux seeks a Continuous Improvement Engineer to oversee production processes at its Pontiac, IL facility. You will review processes, optimize layouts, and conduct time/capability studies to drive efficiency. This role applies Lean tools, leading cost-benefit analyses and quality initiatives across teams.

You will collaborate with engineers and plant leads, document KPI progress, and foster a culture of continuous improvement through proactive problem-solving and idea-sharing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering; Master’s degree preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• On-site in Pontiac, IL location 100% on-site.
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze production processes to identify opportunities for improvement and recommend corrective actions.
• Evaluate plant layout to ensure an efficient manufacturing process and implement improvements in coordination with management.
• Conduct time and capability studies on existing processes, considering tooling, equipment, personnel, material flow, and handling methods.
• Apply Lean methodologies, such as poka-yoke, to eliminate waste and enhance operational efficiency.
• Identify root causes of issues using tools like fishbone diagrams and propose corrective, preventive, and permanent solutions.
• Plan and lead continuous improvement projects, defining scope, required resources, budgets, and project timelines using Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and other visualization tools.
• Collaborate with engineers, plant leads, and key personnel to develop solutions based on study findings and industry best practices.
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis for projects, evaluating ROI and expected performance improvements pre- and post-implementation.
• Document all project phases, including KPIs, costs, cycle times, and alignment with business objectives.
• Develop and implement quality initiatives, including preventative maintenance audits and gauge repeatability and reproducibility techniques.
• Lead root-cause analysis meetings to address quality defects, using data on equipment inefficiencies, downtime, and product defects to drive solutions.
• Act as a liaison between plant leads, operators, and management to ensure effective communication and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Encourage plant personnel to contribute improvement ideas through forms and weekly discussion meetings.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Poka-yoke

Fishbone diagrams

Gantt charts

Kanban boards

Root-cause analysis

Cost-benefit analysis

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Interlake Mecalux seeks a Continuous Improvement Engineer to oversee production processes at its Pontiac, IL facility. You will review processes, optimize layouts, and conduct time/capability studies to drive efficiency. This role applies Lean tools, leading cost-benefit analyses and quality initiatives across teams.

You will collaborate with engineers and plant leads, document KPI progress, and foster a culture of continuous improvement through proactive problem-solving and idea-sharing.