Quality and Operational Improvement Engineer

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa is seeking a Quality and Operational Improvement Engineer to lead and implement cross‑department process improvements and training to enhance service delivery across multiple campus units. The role reports to the Assistant Director of Business Services and supports a wide range of departments.

Responsibilities include data collection, reporting, and leading teams using Six Sigma, Lean, and Value Stream Mapping, along with developing SOPs and managing project budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience (typically 3 years) in continuous process improvement evaluation and improvement implementation.
• Demonstrated experience creating process documentation.
• Demonstrated experience with discretion, confidentiality, and independent judgement.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and implement quality and operational improvement initiatives across units to improve customer satisfaction and productivity.
• Initiate data collection, analyze data, generate reports, and provide root-cause recommendations.
• Lead operational improvement teams using Six Sigma, Lean, 5S, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Develop standard operating procedures to improve efficiency and ensure compliance.
• Monitor and manage budgets for projects and improvement initiatives.

Skills

Process improvement

Documentation

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Quality and Operational Improvement Engineer

The Business Services Admin department is seeking a Quality & Operational Improvement Engineer. This position will facilitate and lead all assigned continuous quality and operational improvement initiatives along with the creation and delivery of training to improve the delivery of services provided by all of the following Departments: Accounts Payable, Travel, Purchasing, Risk Management, Laundry Services, Printing and Mailing Services, University Shared Services, Parking and Transportation, Surplus, General Stores, Central Receiving and Delivery, Campus Mail, and supporting departments. This position will report to the Assistant Director of Business Services andwillprovide support to all divisions within Business Services.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship foremployment authorization.

Duties to Include:

• Responsible for facilitating and implementing quality and operational improvement initiatives for unit, department, or organization wide processes and projects to improve customer satisfaction levels and business productivity.
• Initiate data collection activities; collect and analyze data. Generate reports and distribute to various constituency groups. May provide recommendations to identify and address root causes.
• Lead operational improvement teams, utilizing performance improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma, Lean, 5S, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Assist in the development of standard operating procedures for Business Services that improve efficiency and ensures compliance.
• Monitor and manage budgets for projects and improvement initiatives.

Location: Hybrid within Iowa,Mossman Business Services Building (MBSB)

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience (typically 3 years) in continuous process improvement evaluation and improvement implementation.
• Demonstrated experience creating process documentation.
• Demonstrated experience in high degree of discretion, confidentiality, and independent judgement.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple tasks simultaneously and independently prioritize work. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficient in computer software applications sch as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desired Qualifications:

• Beyond 3 years in continuous process improvement evaluation and improvement implementation.
• Formal continuing education in performance improvement techniques, such as DMAIC, TQM, or similar nationally recognized techniques.
• Knowledge of UI policy and procedures.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. State agency employers in Iowa are required to use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. University of Iowa employees, including those who work remotely or out-of-state, are subject to E-Verify.

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Qual & Op Improv Engineer
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: Hybrid within Iowa

Compensation

• Starting Salary Minimum: 75,000
• Starting Salary Maximum: Commensurate

Contact Information

• Organization: Finance & Operations (General)
• Contact Name: Andy Brus

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .