Operational Excellence Engineer (OpEx)

ZRG Careers; Indiana; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ZRG Careers is seeking an OpEx Engineer in Youngstown, OH to drive continuous improvement using the DRIVE+ Management System. This onsite role partners with operations to identify, prioritize, and implement lean initiatives that improve safety, quality, and cost metrics.

The candidate will mentor teams, develop value stream maps, and embed daily management routines across manufacturing and business processes to sustain improvements and align with corporate initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required.
• 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing in an industrial setting.
• Strong background in engineering or operations leadership with understanding of process flow, waste identification, and lean principles.
• Experience implementing Six Sigma or Toyota Production System (TPS).
• Experience in operations leadership or process engineering with strong business strategy understanding.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and communicate progress.

Responsibilities

• Develop, improve, and own elements of the DRIVE+ Management System with governance through training and audits.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute projects to improve KPIs across areas of operation.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts related to safety, quality, and cost.
• Support KPI development and tools to improve them with audits.
• Partner with finance to validate project justification and success.
• Develop and maintain process and value stream maps for key processes.
• Drive daily management methods and integration into operational cadence.
• Support CI professionals in deploying metrics and management routines.
• Coach and develop site resources to strengthen adoption of the system.
• Coordinate and report improvement and cost-saving initiatives to leadership.
• Support strategic planning and lead high-impact improvement projects.
• Foster a culture of problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Lead training initiatives related to Lean and Six Sigma.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

\"Relocation assistance will be considered for candidates who are interested in relocating to Youngstown, Ohio. This position requires an onsite presence in Youngstown, Ohio\".

Make an Impact With Us

We are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the products we deliver. 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. This role is responsible for facilitating and deploying the DRIVE+ (OpEx Management System).

The primary focus is on defining regional strategy related to the deployment of corporate initiatives tied to lean management and advancing the maturity of the DRIVE+ Management System. The position will provide leadership to assist operating and maintenance leaders in identifying, prioritizing, and implementing projects, routines, and system elements that improve key business indicators.

This role will also provide expertise and support in monitoring, facilitating, leading, and training 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 needed to local and executive leadership.

Your Role at a Glance

• Develop, continuously improve, and own assigned elements of the DRIVE+ Management System, ensuring compliance and governance through training, follow-up, and auditing.


• Identify, prioritize, and execute projects that improve key performance indicators across assigned areas of operation.


• Lead and/or facilitate continuous improvement efforts related to safety, quality, operational excellence, cost, and people.


• Support identification of KPIs and development of tools to improve them (flow complexity, purchasing methods, value analysis, etc.), ensuring proper usage through audits.


• Partner with finance teams to validate project justification and success.


• Develop and maintain process and value stream maps for key manufacturing and business processes.


• Drive daily management methods and integrate improvement routines into operational cadence.


• Support CI professionals across the facility in deploying metrics and management routines aligned with the DRIVE+ system.


• Ensure sustainability of improvements through coaching and performance tracking.


• Coach, mentor, and develop site resources to strengthen adoption of the management system.


• Coordinate and report improvement and cost-saving initiatives to leadership.


• Support strategic planning and lead high-impact improvement projects.


• Foster a culture of problem-solving and continuous improvement.


• Lead training initiatives related to Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

What Sets You Apart

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (mechanical, electrical, or automation preferred); business degrees considered.


• 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing within an industrial setting.


• Strong background in engineering or operations leadership with deep understanding of process flow, waste identification, and lean principles.


• Experience implementing Six Sigma or Toyota Production System (TPS) methodologies.


• Experience in operations leadership or process engineering with a strong understanding of business strategy.


• Proven ability to lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives.


• Strong organizational and project management skills.


• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and communicate progress effectively.


• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with shop floor personnel.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).

What Powers Your Performance

Success in this role is driven by ownership, collaboration, and a continuous improvement mindset. Strong candidates will:

• Communicate clearly and constructively


• Collaborate effectively across teams


• Adapt quickly with a proactive mindset


• Take accountability and initiative


• Demonstrate reliability and pride in their work


• Prioritize safety at all times


• Embrace feedback and continuous learning


• Maintain strong attention to detail


• Challenge the status quo and drive improvement


• Support and develop others

Qualifications

Education