Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Kennametal; Asheboro (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer in Asheboro, NC. This role leads complex Lean-based initiatives, coaches plant teams, and drives sustainable performance improvements across one or multiple sites using data-driven decision making.

Ideal candidates have 8+ years in manufacturing/industrial engineering and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Certification from ASQ is a plus, with expertise in 5S, Muda hunting, Kanban, SMED, VSM and related tools.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years in Production/Manufacturing, Mechanical/Process/Industrial Engineering related experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification through ASQ is a plus.
• Knowledge and practice experience of problem solving, coaching, and Lean tools such as 5S, visual management and standard work.

Responsibilities

• 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 business and operational challenges.
• Coaches teams in structured problem solving, Lean thinking, and continuous improvement practices.

Job description

About Kennametal

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear‑resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at kennametal.com.

Job Title

Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Location

Asheboro, NC

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:
• Equipment Efficiency Losses
• Direct Labor Efficiency
• 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

• Leads Gemba activities to Muda Hunting, process constraints, and improvement opportunities.
• Facilitates root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
• Detects abnormalities vs. Lean standards.
• 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.

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.