Operation Excellence Leader

PPG; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

PPG is seeking an Aerospace Manufacturing - Operational Excellence Engineer to lead Lean initiatives across value streams at the Huntsville, AL site. You will drive continuous improvement, coach teams, and apply Lean methodologies to optimize safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

The role requires 5+ years in lean/continuous improvement in aerospace or regulated manufacturing, a Bachelor's degree in a technical field, and Lean/Six Sigma certification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, or other technical disciplines.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification(s) and expertise in Lean Line Design; Green Belt or higher preferred.
• Proficiency with data analytics systems such as Minitab, JMP, Excel, and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Champion safety, quality, and continuous improvement in compliance with aerospace regulations and company policies.
• Coach and engage all organizational levels to foster lean culture and continuous improvement.
• Mentor project leaders in applying Lean methodologies and tools across operations.
• Evaluate and improve manufacturing practices using lean principles, including Kaizen, value stream mapping, visual management standards, and 5S.
• Establish and analyze indicators to monitor lean process performance and support new product introductions and process changes.
• Apply data-driven principles and digital tools to develop continuous improvement roadmaps that maximize operational performance.
• Guide operational performance improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics.
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Implement and sustain process improvements that enhance productivity and reduce variability.
• Lead teams in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Data analytics

Project leadership

Coaching

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/operations

Tools

Minitab

JMP

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Are you an experienced Operation Excellence (OPEX) engineer who is ready to take their career to new heights? Join our team as an Aerospace Manufacturing - Operational Excellence Engineer! We are looking for someone who is wanting to take on a challenge and make a meaningful impact in the lives of our customers and the people they serve and protect.

As an Aerospace Manufacturing - Operational Excellence Engineer you will build continuous improvement projects and implement lean manufacturing principles across multiple value streams to enhance safety, delivery, quality, and cost. You will prioritize projects. These projects will focus on optimizing operational efficiency, reducing waste, and improving quality. Additionally, they will enhance overall plant performance through the systematic application of lean methodologies and operational excellence frameworks. You will foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration through leadership, best practices, employee coaching, and employee development.

You will work on-site at our Huntsville, AL facility and report to the OPEX manager.

Responsibilities

• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement in compliance with aerospace industry regulations and company policies.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement in compliance with aerospace industry regulations and company policies. Support change by coaching, and engaging all organizational levels to foster lean culture and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate and mentor project leaders in applying Lean Methodologies and tools across operations.
• Evaluate and improve manufacturing practices using lean manufacturing principles, including Kaizen, value stream mapping, visual management standards, and 5S workplace organization.
• Establish, analyze important indicators to monitor lean process performance, and support new product introductions and process changes.
• Apply data-driven principles and implement digital tools to develop continuous improvement roadmaps that maximize operational performance.
• Guide operational performance improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics.
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
• Implement and sustain process improvements that enhance productivity and reduce variability.
• Lead teams in root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.

Qualifications

• Five (5) or more years of experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence in aerospace or a regulated manufacturing industry required.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering, operations, or other technical disciplines required.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification(s) and demonstrated expertise in Lean Line Design. Green Belt or higher certification is a preference.
• Proficiency with data analytics systems (e.g., Minitab, JMP, Excel, and ERP systems) required.
• Must be eligible to obtain a government secret clearance.
• Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, and political asylees or refugees are eligible to apply.

PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation and Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, Family Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.

About Us

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.

The PPG Way 2030

We are customer champions

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don't stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.

We act with purpose and speed

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.

We are excellent operators

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.

We compete to win

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.

We are PPG proud

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [e-mail].

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.

Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.