Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Dover Food Retail; Chesterfield Court House (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401k Retirement Plan

Flexible Spending

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Dover Food Retail is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead and sustain lean transformation across Richmond, VA manufacturing operations. The role emphasizes co‑ownership of site strategy and tactical execution for CI initiatives, coaching lean capabilities, and delivering measurable improvements that align with SQDIP metrics.

The successful candidate will design, implement and optimize processes, build KPI dashboards (Power BI or similar), and work closely with OT teams to

Qualifications

• Four‑year degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 3–7 years of Continuous Improvement experience.
• 2+ years Project Management experience.

Responsibilities

• Deploy SQDIP visual management boards and standard routines across all levels.
• Champion the 0Dover OPEX Model and coach Lean principles.
• Lead Kaizen and rapid improvement events with cross‑functional teams.
• Analyze production processes and provide reports to improve future requirements.
• Develop and integrate SW tools for production planning and PFMEAs.

Skills

Lean principles

Six Sigma

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Our Story

Dover Food Retail (DFR) is a leading manufacturer of Display Cases, Specialty Products, Refrigeration Systems, Power Systems and Comprehensive Services; and leading our industry by Innovating What’s Next in glass doors and intelligent merchandising technologies that keep food safe under brands such as HillPhoenix and Anthony.

Dover Food Retail (DFR) is a leading manufacturer of Display Cases, Specialty Products, Refrigeration Systems, Power Systems and Comprehensive Services; and leading our industry by Innovating What’s Next in glass doors and intelligent merchandising technologies that keep food safe under brands such as HillPhoenix and Anthony.
DFR is part of the Climate & Sustainable Technologies segment of the Dover Corporation® (NYSE: DOV). Dover is a diversified global manufacturer with annual revenues in excess of $7 billion.
DFR is built on creativity and customer-centric innovation delivered by people invigorated by a strong sense of responsibility to help our customers win in their marketplaces. The relationships we build with our customers are as important to our success as the products we manufacture. This collaborative environment delivers FRESH THINKING, reassuring our customers that they choose the best when they choose to work with the people of Dover Food Retail.

Job Title: Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Location:Richmond, VA

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a Senior Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer to have responsibility for driving the organization to target measurable and sustainable improvements across all operations and support functions. Expectations include co-owning strategy and tactical development and execution for site initiatives and coaching lean capabilities within the organization.

Responsible for designing, implementing, and revising the procedures and equipment required in the manufacturing process for process design and optimization. The successful candidate can assess, scope, plan, execute and deliver on industrial process improvements, in accordance and balance with all SQDIP metrics, and ensure process sustainability. Candidates will be expected to build & foster a business environment that embraces Kaizen / Continuous Improvement (CI) and structured problem solving as a key to the company’s ongoing growth and success. The position is part of operations and will directly report to the factory CI Leader.

What You’ll Be Responsible For In This Role

• Deploy SQDIP (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Productivity) visual management boards and standard management routines across all organizational levels, aligning with the 0DOVER Operational Excellence framework.
• Champion the 0Dover OPEX Model, embedding Lean principles into daily operations. Coach and build capabilities across all levels on the 0DOVER model and standards.
• Conduct regular OPEX audits to ensure compliance with 0Dover model. Provide assistance in developing certification plan depending on required level and connect OpCos with corporate trainers.
• Lead and facilitate high impact Kaizen and rapid improvement events, value stream mapping, and structured problem solving with cross-functional teams. Ensure both manufacturing and logistics processes are optimally integrated: workstation design, part presentation, routings, tools, standard work, work instructions, visual management, Single minute exchange die (SMED), Plan for Each Part (PEFP), etc.
• Analyze production processes, schedules, methods, etc., and provide management with reports to enable the better understanding of future requirements needed for improving and optimizing the manufacturing process.
• Experience in developing SW (including production plans, takt planning, PFMEAs and Control Plans), workstation design, BOM routings & labor costs development, project management & vendor integration for new line equipment/process design implementation, and technology/systems integration.
• Review and calculate labor, material, and other production costs along with reviewing schedules and future production requirements to assist management in decision making. Analyze and plan workflow, equipment placement and space requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency and part flow. Focus on one-piece-flow and JIT principles.
• Apply improvement tools and develop the scope for assembly line design and implementations, fixtures, poka-yokes, tool making and supplier management under the scope of manufacturing process design across many facilities.
• Build and maintain KPI dashboards and reports (Power BI or similar); use data to prioritize projects and demonstrate ROI.
• Experience working with OT teams (MEs, tooling engineers, controls engineers, etc.)

What are the basic qualifications?

• Four (4) year degrees are required; a degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering discipline is required
• 3-7 years of Continuous Improvement experience
• 2+ years Project Management experience

What are the preferred qualifications?

• Working knowledge of Lean / Six Sigma principles
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD). AutoCAD skills required
• Proven hands‑on understanding and experience in use and coaching of TPS/Lean Fundamentals (5S, SW, PSP, Kaizen, DM, VSM, TPI, Poka-Yoke, etc...)
• Cross functional experience in Operations / Material Flow / Supply Chain Mgmt. / Customer Support / Accounting / Product Development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of ergonomic principles and safety standards in manufacturing
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)

How We Define Our Values and Why You Should Join Our Team:

• Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Winning Through Customers
• Respects and Values People
• Expectations for Results
• High Ethical Standards, Openness, and Trust

What’s in it for you?

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending
• Paid Holidays

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

Dover Food Retail is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law