Operational Excellence Engineer

RAM Aviation, Space & Defense; Saint George (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(K) Retirement Account with match

Tuition Assistance

Flexible Work Schedule

Job summary

RAM Aerospace in St. George, Utah seeks an Operational Excellence Engineer to lead Lean initiatives, kaizen events, and process improvements across manufacturing. You will drive waste reduction, throughput gains, and quality improvements to ensure on-time delivery of mission-critical aerospace components.

You will partner with production, engineering, and quality teams to develop KPI dashboards, implement standard work, and scale continuous improvement across the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Background check and drug screening required.
• U.S. citizen or eligible per ITAR (citizenship/immigration status).
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years in operational excellence/continuous improvement in manufacturing.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt preferred.
• Experience facilitating kaizen events and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills for leadership and shop floor.
• Aerospace/defense manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean initiatives across RAM's manufacturing operations, including kaizen events.
• Apply value stream mapping, time studies, and data analysis to identify waste and improvements.
• Collaborate with production, engineering, and quality to implement corrective actions.
• Develop and deliver training to build Lean capability across the organization.
• Own operational KPIs and visual management, tracking progress and impact.
• Establish standard work and ensure changes are documented and integrated into training.

Skills

Lean methods

Kaizen

DMAIC

A3

5 Why

Kanban

5S

Data analysis (Excel/Minitab)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Excel

Minitab

ERP systems

Job description

Description

RAM Aerospace is a leader in aerospace innovation, powering flight and space exploration with precision solenoids, valves, and actuators. Since 1975, we've supported missions like the Space Shuttle and continue to deliver mission-critical components for commercial, defense, and satellite systems. As one of Southern Utah's largest employers, we drive economic growth and offer high-skilled careers in engineering and manufacturing. From our advanced facility in St. George, we build the future of aerospace—on time, with excellence, and as a team. Join us to work on groundbreaking technology and help shape the future of flight and space exploration. Your career takes off here!

At RAM, the stakes are high - the components we build don't just perform, they have to be perfect. As an Operational Excellence Engineer, you’ll be at the center of that standard, driving the Lean and continuous improvement initiatives that keep our manufacturing operations sharp, efficient, and built to scale. You’ll partner across engineering, production, and quality teams to identify waste, redesign processes, and embed a culture of relentless improvement into everything we do. This is a role for someone who is equally comfortable leading a kaizen event on the shop floor as they are analyzing throughput data to uncover the next opportunity. Your work will directly impact our ability to deliver mission-critical aerospace components on time and to the exacting standards our customers and the missions they support.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Lean Program Leadership: Champion the design, execution, and sustainment of Lean initiatives across RAM's manufacturing operations. Lead kaizen events from charter through follow-up, ensuring improvements are implemented, measured, and locked in - not left on a whiteboard.
• Process Analysis & Waste Elimination: Apply value stream mapping, time studies, and data analysis to identify inefficiencies across production workflows. Translate findings into actionable improvement roadmaps with clear owners, timelines, and measurable outcomes tied to throughput, cost, and quality.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a trusted partner to production supervisors, manufacturing engineers, and quality teams. Facilitate structured problem-solving sessions using tools like A3, 5 Why, and DMAIC to drive root cause resolution and sustainable corrective action.
• Training & Culture Development: Build Lean capability at every level of the organization. Develop and deliver training on continuous improvement methodologies, coach employees through improvement projects, and help shift the cultural mindset from reactive firefighting to proactive process ownership.
• Metrics & Performance Management: Own the development and maintenance of operational KPIs and visual management systems. Track improvement project performance, report progress to leadership, and use data to validate that changes are delivering the intended impact on the floor.
• Standard Work & Documentation: Establish and maintain standard work documentation for improved processes, ensuring changes are captured accurately, communicated clearly, and integrated into training and quality systems.

Requirements

• Legal: Must be able to pass a comprehensive criminal background check and drug screening.
• ITAR: Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum (due to ITAR requirements).
• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in an operational excellence, continuous improvement, or industrial engineering role, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Lean methodologies including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, and Kanban.
• Hands-on experience facilitating kaizen events and leading cross-functional improvement teams.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab, or equivalent); experience with ERP systems a plus.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt preferred.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills - able to present to leadership and coach on the shop floor with equal effectiveness.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high-complexity, regulated manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

Why You’ll Love Working At RAM – Our Benefits

At RAM Aerospace, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That's why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, work-life balance, and long-term success.

Our Benefits Include

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Comprehensive coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Short-Term Disability & Voluntary Benefits - Additional protection and peace of mind when you need it most.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Confidential support for personal, financial, and emotional well-being.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays - Generous time off to relax, travel, and spend time with loved ones.
• Paid Parental Leave - Time to bond with your new addition and transition smoothly back to work.
• 401(K) Retirement Account - Plan for your future with our 401(K) retirement account, complete with an employer match.
• Tuition Assistance - Invest in your education and future growth with our tuition assistance program.
• Flexible Work Schedule - Balance your work and personal life with a flexible work schedule.

We are committed to creating an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity)

RAM Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. In addition, it is the policy of RAM Aviation, Space & Defense to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances where a particular employee works.

We welcome former military and law enforcement applicants!