Process Improvement Engineer (USI7) (2106)

VSE Aviation; Independence (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

VSE Aviation seeks a Process Improvement Engineer to lead initiatives that boost operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction at the Independence, KS facility. You will focus on improving turnaround time, throughput, quality, and cost efficiency while ensuring FAA/EASA Part 145 and OEM compliance.

The role requires deep knowledge of shop-level operations, test systems, and component-level workflows, with collaboration across engineering, quality, and technicians to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field or 3 years of related experience in lieu of degree.
• 5 years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of accessory repair operations (mechanical, hydraulic, electrical components).
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and data.

Responsibilities

• Review discrepancies between technical data and part condition, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
• Track, analyze, and report on non-conformances, using data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Lead root cause analysis to address process-related issues, developing and recommending corrective actions.
• Implement corrective actions and continuously monitor the impact to ensure long-term effectiveness.
• Create and update work instructions, including part routings and operation sheets, to reflect process improvements.
• Effectively communicate corrective action plans, progress, and results to stakeholders at all levels within the organization.
• Research and implement innovative technologies and processes to enhance company capabilities and drive innovation.
• Serve as a liaison with vendors, suppliers, and customers to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Analyze end-to-end component repair workflows (receiving, teardown, inspection, repair, assembly, test, and release).
• Identify bottlenecks in shop processes such as teardown, piece-part repair, and test stand utilization.
• Improve test stand utilization (automation), capacity planning, and scheduling efficiency.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on failures, repeat discrepancies, and no-fault-found (NFF) events.
• Develop and maintain process maps, routing structures, and standard work instructions.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and technicians.
• Support implementation and optimization of MRO systems (e.g., ERP, MES, TRAX, AMOS, SAP).
• Ensure all improvements comply with FAA/EASA regulations and OEM manuals (CMMs).
• Track KPIs such as TAT, first-pass yield (FPY), test yield, and labor efficiency.
• Support the culture of continuous improvement by mentoring and coaching teams on Lean principles and methodologies.

Skills

Process improvement

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

3 years of related experience in lieu of degree

Tools

ERP systems (e.g., SAP)

MES

TRAX

AMO S

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Independence, KS 67301
• Position Type: Full Time
• Job Shift: 1st Shift
• Job Category: DOT - Safety Sensitive Position

SUMMARY

The Process Improvement Engineer will lead initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction. This role will focus on improving turnaround time (TAT), throughput, quality, and cost efficiency while ensuring strict compliance with FAA/EASA Part 145 and OEM requirements. This position requires a strong understanding of shop-level operations, test systems, and component-level workflows.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review discrepancies between technical data and part condition, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
• Track, analyze, and report on non-conformances, using data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Lead root cause analysis to address process-related issues, developing and recommending corrective actions.
• Implement corrective actions and continuously monitor the impact to ensure long-term effectiveness.
• Create and update work instructions, including part routings and operation sheets, to reflect process improvements.
• Effectively communicate corrective action plans, progress, and results to stakeholders at all levels within the organization.
• Research and implement innovative technologies and processes to enhance company capabilities and drive innovation.
• Serve as a liaison with vendors, suppliers, and customers to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Analyze end-to-end component repair workflows (receiving, teardown, inspection, repair, assembly, test, and release).
• Identify bottlenecks in shop processes such as teardown, piece-part repair, and test stand utilization.
• Improve test stand utilization (automation), capacity planning, and scheduling efficiency.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on failures, repeat discrepancies, and no-fault-found (NFF) events.
• Develop and maintain process maps, routing structures, and standard work instructions.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and technicians.
• Support implementation and optimization of MRO systems (e.g., ERP, MES, TRAX, AMOS, SAP).
• Ensure all improvements comply with FAA/EASA regulations and OEM manuals (CMMs).
• Track KPIs such as TAT, first-pass yield (FPY), test yield, and labor efficiency.
• Support the culture of continuous improvement by mentoring and coaching teams on Lean principles and methodologies.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field OR 3 years of related experience in lieu of degree.
• 5 years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of accessory repair operations (mechanical, hydraulic, electrical components).
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and data.
• Experience with process mapping, workflow optimization, and data analysis.
• Familiarity with FAA/EASA Part 145 regulations and component maintenance practices.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage at all levels of the organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Power Bi, or similar tools.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• Hands‑on experience in a related OEM or MRO Manufacturing/Process Engineering discipline.
• Experience with specific accessory types (fuel systems, air, etc.).
• Knowledge of test equipment, calibration processes, and diagnostic systems.
• Familiarity with OEM Component Maintenance Manuals (CMMs).
• Experience with reliability analysis and failure modes.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

OTHER

The selected applicant will be subject to a background check and drug testing.