Operational Excellence Engineer

Vallourec North America; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Company-Paid Life Insurance

Profit Sharing: Up to 4%

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Vacation Time

Tuition Reimbursement

Discretionary Performance-Based Bonus Program

Job summary

A leading metal and steel company in Houston, Texas is seeking an OpEx Engineer passionate about driving continuous improvement. This role involves developing and managing the DRIVE+ Management system, leading projects to enhance performance indicators, and coaching teams in lean methodologies. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and at least 5 years of experience in a continuous improvement or lean manufacturing role, along with strong statistical and interpersonal skills. The position supports professional growth and offers a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
• Demonstrated experience implementing Six Sigma methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the DRIVE+ Management system.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts across various metrics.
• Coach and mentor site resources in lean practices.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Engineering

Process Flow

Statistical Analysis

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Sheldon Road, Houston TX
Houston, TX 77049, USA

Description

Make an Impact With Us

At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Engineer will be a highly qualified continuous improvement professional with deep experience in achieving transformative results and working within a management system environment. The role is tasked with the facilitation and deployment of the DRIVE+ (OpEx Management System). Primary focus is on the definition of the region strategy regarding the deployment of corporate initiatives related to lean management and maturing the DRIVE+ Management System. The position will provide leadership to assist operating and maintenance leaders in identification, prioritization and implementation of projects, routines and system elements that improve key business indicators. They will provide expertise and support in monitoring, facilitating, leading and training all team members to work effectively within the system, including but not limited to methods such as 5S, TPM, standardization, workflow analysis, value stream mapping, maintenance excellence and Six Sigma. The OpEx Engineer will track overall improvement progress and report as necessary to local up through executive management.

Your Role at a Glance

• Develop, continuously improve and own assigned elements of the DRIVE+ Management system and ensure compliance and governance to the requirements are followed through deep training, follow-up and auditing.
• Work within assigned area of operation to identify, prioritize and execute projects that improve their key performance indicators. Lead and/or facilitate continuous improvement efforts associated with safety, quality, operational excellence, cost and people.
• Help units to identify key performance indicators and develop tools to improve them (flow complexity, purchasing methods, and value analysis of process). Ensure through audits that tools are appropriately and effectively used. Use deep statistical analysis to draw conclusions.
• Work with financial teams across the business to validate project justification and success to support the business case(s).
• Develop and maintain detailed process / value stream maps and metrics for the key manufacturing and business processes.
• Drive daily management methods – implement improvement methods into the daily, weekly and monthly operational meeting routines (GTM, FST, SMT levels of MDI).
• Supports other CI professionals (works as a team) in the facility to deploy the appropriate Safety, Quality, Flow, Cost, People metrics and management routines at all levels of the organization within the context of the DRIVE+ system.
• Ensures sustainability of improvement results. Ensures the appropriate performance indicators are in place for projects and that teams have been provided with adequate knowledge to achieve and maintain those improvements (coaching).
• Coach, mentor and develop site resources to work within and understand their personal connection to the DRIVE+ Management System.
• Coordinate and report status of improvement and cost saving efforts/results and report to executive leadership and corporate as needed.
• Assist leadership in the planning, development, coordination, support, and execution of strategic planning process, and take ownership of high impact (immediate and long term) improvement projects.
• Instill a Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement culture across sites and in related areas of the organization.
• Coordinate the content of all Lean training materials and lead the implementation of a structured training program for improvement teams. Lead the development and implementation of all levels of the hourly Skill Based Development program as it relates to Lean and Six Sigma methods. Coordinate North America Six Sigma program and act as expert/coach for project leaders. Lead Six Sigma projects as needed.
• Support cross-site and cross-functional efforts to improve shared business processes – both transactional and operational and lead the effort to streamline processes across all sites.
• Lead benchmarking and the exchange of knowledge and best practices in relation to lean and Six Sigma methodologies with Vallourec Group steering committees and other entities.
• Follow all company policies, practices and regulations to include Safety and Quality.
• Any other duties as assigned.

What Sets You Apart

We’re looking for individuals who bring the right mix of experience, mindset, and motivation:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferred mechanical, electrical, automation). Business related degrees will be considered.
• 5 years in Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing within an industrial setting.
• Strong background in engineering or operations leadership with a solid understanding of process flow, waste identification, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Demonstrated experience implementing Six Sigma or Toyota Production System (TPS) methodologies.
• Prior roles with direct responsibilities on the shop floor at some point in career.
• Experience in operations leadership or process engineering within the industrial sector, with a strong grasp of broader business strategy.
• Proven ability to facilitate and motivate continuous improvement initiatives across cross‑functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to manage and execute complex instructions.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and communicate progress clearly and concisely.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the drive to work closely with shop floor personnel and build strong communication channels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.
• Ability to travel locally and periodically for long‑distance assignments.

What Powers Your Performance

Success in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who:

• Communicate clearly and constructively
• Collaborate effectively and contribute to team success
• Adapt to change with a positive, proactive mindset
• Take accountability and show initiative in their work
• Demonstrate reliability and pride in performance
• Prioritize safety and act with awareness
• Embrace feedback and use it to grow
• Maintain high attention to detail
• Drive continuous improvement and challenge the status quo
• Support and develop others through shared learning

How We Support Your Success

We’re committed to helping you thrive- on the job and beyond. That’s why we offer a collaborative culture where your ideas drive real change, and career mobility within a stable, essential industry. To support your growth and well-being, we also provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability
• Profit Sharing: Up to 4%
• 401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting period
• Paid Parental Leave: For birthing and non-birthing parents, including adoptions
• Paid Vacation Time
• Discretionary Performance-Based Bonus Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Safety isn’t negotiable, it’s who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. We don’t cut corners; we set the standard. That means clear expectations, continuous training, and shared accountability at every level. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it’s a promise we make to every colleague, every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.