Senior CI Engineer: Lean & Automation

Americ, Inc.; Washington (NC); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AAF International is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to act as a process SME for manufacturing operations. The role focuses on stabilizing processes, sustaining lean improvements, and driving data-driven problem solving with ROI justification.

You will lead and coach teams, manage cross-functional Lean initiatives, and embed Lean thinking into daily management. The position requires 4–6 years in manufacturing, a relevant bachelor's degree, and strong communication to enable culture

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience owning manufacturing processes and supporting process control and sustainment.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and tools.
• Understanding of industrial automation and its application to manufacturing improvement.
• Experience developing or supporting ROI and cost justification for improvement or capital projects.
• Effective communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally.
• Ability to support cultural change while balancing data-driven analysis and practical problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to bring processes into statistical control and sustain gains using standard work, control plans, SPC, and visual management.
• Act as a coach and change agent to help teams understand Lean practices.
• Facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events and embed Lean thinking into daily management systems.
• Plan, design, implement, and improve manufacturing systems supporting performance and cost control.

Skills

Lean thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Structured problem solving

Data-driven analysis

Change leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or equivalent

Tools

SPC

Control plans

Kaizen events

Kanban

5S

MTM

Job description

AAF International is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to act as a process SME for manufacturing operations. The role focuses on stabilizing processes, sustaining lean improvements, and driving data-driven problem solving with ROI justification.

You will lead and coach teams, manage cross-functional Lean initiatives, and embed Lean thinking into daily management. The position requires 4–6 years in manufacturing, a relevant bachelor's degree, and strong communication to enable culture