Operations Excellence Engineer

Placon Corp.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Placon Corp. in Madison, WI, is seeking an experienced Operations Excellence Engineer to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. You will partner with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and other teams to deliver measurable operational gains.

The role requires hands-on problem-solving, data-driven decision making, and expertise in Lean techniques to optimize safety, quality, and efficiency. This position offers career growth and a strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with hands-on process troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of plastic materials.
• Hands-on experience leading RCCA problem-solving activities.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques and SPC.
• Ability to learn and utilize MRP/ERP systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter with a hands-on approach and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and employee engagement
• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities through operational data, process observations, employee feedback, and performance trends
• Apply Lean manufacturing principles and tools to eliminate waste, reduce variation, improve process flow, and increase operational efficiency
• Improve production efficiencies through increased cycle rates and labor optimization methods
• Identify opportunities to improve Yield, Uptime, Efficiency, MUV, and other key operational metrics
• Facilitate Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and cross-functional problem-solving activities
• Develop sustainable systems, standards, and problem-solving capabilities within Operations teams
• Ensure Daily Visual Management programs are implemented and utilized effectively
• Analyze operational performance data and drive corrective actions as needed
• Support organizational objectives and perform additional duties as assigned

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Data analysis

RCCA

SPC

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Operations Excellence Engineer to support our Madison, WI manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across manufacturing processes by partnering with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and other cross-functional teams. If you’re passionate about Lean manufacturing, problem-solving, data analysis, and delivering measurable operational improvements, this is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact.

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience. Comprehensive benefits package, profit sharing, and advancement opportunities.

Why Placon - You’ll Love It Here

• Drive meaningful operational improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and delivery performance
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
• Facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional problem-solving activities
• Partner with diverse teams across Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance
• Build sustainable systems and standards that enable long-term operational success
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and career growth opportunities

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and employee engagement
• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities through operational data, process observations, employee feedback, and performance trends
• Apply Lean manufacturing principles and tools to eliminate waste, reduce variation, improve process flow, and increase operational efficiency
• Improve production efficiencies through increased cycle rates and labor optimization methods
• Identify opportunities to improve Yield, Uptime, Efficiency, MUV, and other key operational metrics
• Facilitate Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and cross-functional problem-solving activities
• Develop sustainable systems, standards, and problem-solving capabilities within Operations teams
• Ensure Daily Visual Management programs are implemented and utilized effectively
• Analyze operational performance data and drive corrective actions as needed
• Support organizational objectives and perform additional duties as assigned

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with hands-on process troubleshooting
• Knowledge of plastic materials
• Hands-on experience leading Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) problem-solving activities
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Ability to learn and utilize MRP/ERP systems
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with a hands-on approach and ability to work independently

Does this sound like you?

If you’re a driven engineer who enjoys improving manufacturing processes, eliminating waste, optimizing performance, and helping teams achieve operational excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).

Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.

Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.

This role requires the ability to work through differing perspectives and resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner consistent with The Placon Way.