Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Kennametal Stellite Inc.; Asheboro (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal Stellite Inc. is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead complex Lean initiatives across one or multiple plants. The role focuses on problem solving, data-driven decisions, and developing Lean capabilities within teams.

Responsibilities include coaching, Gemba activities, and implementing sustainable corrective actions to drive productivity, quality, and lead-time improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in Production/Manufacturing or related Engineering fields.
• Experience leading Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across sites.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and coaching skills with Lean mindset.

Responsibilities

• Leads complex continuous improvement initiatives to improve operational performance and eliminate waste.
• Coaches plant teams in structured problem solving and Lean thinking.
• Drives Lean capability development through training and application of Lean principles.
• Partners with operational leaders to sustain and scale improvements across sites.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Coaching

Lean thinking

Education

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Tools

5S

Zoning & Visual Management

Standard Work

Cycle Time Management

Muda Hunting

Pull Flow/Kanban

SMED

TPM

VSM

Job description

Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Summary

The Operational Excellence Sr. Engineer leads complex continuous improvement initiatives and solves critical operational challenges using Lean methodologies, structured problem solving, and data-driven decision making across one or multiple plants. This role drives sustainable performance improvements, develops Lean capabilities within plant teams, and serves as a coach and advisor to support long-term operational excellence.

Key Job Responsibilities

Lean Competences

• Leads complex problem-solving efforts to improve operational performance and eliminate waste.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in continuous improvement and Lean systems across one or multiple sites.
• Applies Advanced lean, six sigma, and Operational Excellence Methodologies to solve complex business and operational challenges.
• Builds Operational Excellence capability and promotes autonomous continuous improvement through coaching, training and application of lean principles in the following areas:
• Scrap Reduction.
• WIP Reduction.
• Hoshin & VSM.
• 5S & Product Respect. (Standards)

Lean Strategies

• Translates business objectives into actionable improvement initiatives aligned with operational priorities.
• Identifies, prioritizes, and leads cross-functional improvement opportunities.
• Supports deployment of Operational Excellence initiatives and best practices.
• Partners with operational leaders to strengthen performance and continuous improvement capability.

Lean Gemba Activities

• For the Fields of Competences listed above:
• Leads Gemba activities to Muda Hunting, process constraints, and improvement opportunities.
• Facilitates root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
• Coaches teams in structured problem solving, Lean thinking, and continuous improvement practices.

Lean Results

• Leads complex problem-solving efforts to improve operational performance and eliminate waste.
• Improves productivity, quality, lead time, inventory, and operational effectiveness.
• Develops autonomous continuous improvement capability within operational teams
• Replicates successful practices and improvement methodologies with the Site & Portfolio Business Unit Representatives.

Education, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates

• At least 8 Years in Production/Manufacturing, Mechanical/Process/Industrial Engineering Related Experience. Multiple or Large Sites’ Lean Workshop Management Experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification through American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a plus.
• Knowledge and Practice Experience of the Following Tools:
  • Strong Problem Solving, Communication & Coaching Skills.
  • 5S, Zoning & Visual Management
  • Standard Work and Cycle Time Management.
  • Muda Hunting
  • Pull Flow/Kanban
  • SMED
  • TPM
  • VSM

Nearest Major Market: Greensboro

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.