Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Eaton Corporation; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Welfare benefits

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Eaton Corporation is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer in Davenport, Iowa. You will lead continuous improvement efforts using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, focusing on strategic execution, problem-solving, and capability development. The role requires a strong engineering background and experience in Lean manufacturing.

Ideal candidates will have over five years of experience in continuous improvement initiatives and be certified Six Sigma professionals. The position offers robust health and welfare benefits as well as retirement benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement efforts using Lean process methods.
• 5+ years in a lean manufacturing environment.
• Certified and Active Six Sigma Belt.

Responsibilities

• Lead site-level Continuous Improvement strategy and Six Sigma program.
• Drive Kaizen events and structured problem solving (A3).
• Lead CI training and certification efforts.

Skills

Lean process methods

Six Sigma

Problem Solving

Root Cause Analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s engineering degree

Job description

What you’ll do:

As a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer you will be responsible for the implementation of plant-wide continuous improvement objectives by actively driving and sustaining problem solving using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies; institutionalizing the elements of the CI management system; and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Continuous Improvement within the Eaton Continuous Improvement System (ECIS). The Senior CIE will emphasize embedding CI practices by promoting, teaching and actively working key tools and cultural initiatives such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), A3 Problem Solving, Daily Accountability Process (DAP), Leader Standard Work (LSW), Gemba Walks (GW), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Standard Work (SW), and advanced problem-solving techniques including Lean and Six Sigma.

The role is accountable for achieving critical CI KPIs, including cost reduction, savings/certifications, improvement in quality and productivity at sites/business units, and reductions in lead time.

Additionally, the CIE will lead and support Six Sigma training, oversee certification processes, and drive continuous improvement in Six Sigma performance year over year.

In this function you will:

Strategy, Leadership & Culture

• Lead site‑level Continuous Improvement (CI) strategy, including ECIS deployment, sustainment, and performance management.
• Establish, execute, and evolve the Six Sigma strategy and program, including governance, certification pathways, instructor development, and performance metrics.
• Drive year‑over‑year Six Sigma performance in cost reduction, certifications, capability growth, and savings per certification.

Execution, Problem Solving & Operational Excellence

• Drive Kaizen events, structured problem solving (A3), and Six Sigma initiatives to deliver measurable and sustainable improvements.
• Utilize advanced CI methodologies (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis) and foundational tools (A3, 5 Why, 5S).
• Identify adverse trends and systemic issues through cross‑functional collaboration and data‑driven analysis.

Capability Development & Cross‑Functional Partnership

• Lead CI and Six Sigma training and certification efforts for CI professionals and front‑line leaders.
• Review and continuously improve CI, Problem Solving, and Six Sigma training content to ensure high impact and consistency.

Qualifications

Required (Basic) Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s engineering degree from an accredited institution
• 3+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement efforts using Lean process methods and tools across multiple functions of the business
• 5+ years in a lean manufacturing environment
• Certified and Active Six Sigma Belt and RedX problem solving methodology
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now or in the future.
• This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. “Green Card Holder”), Political Asylee or Refugee.
• No relocation is offered for this position. All candidates must currently reside within 70 miles of Davenport, IA. Active‑Duty Military Service member candidates are exempt from the geographical area limitation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement efforts using Lean process methods and tools across multiple functions of the business
• 7+ years in a lean manufacturing environment
• 3+ years of experience leading continuous improvement efforts using six sigma process methods and tools, across multiple functions of the business
• Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor others in the Problem Solving and methodology
• Excellent Instructor and influence skills to enable visible and collaborative leadership
• Successful project management experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to relate to diverse teams and functions
• Demonstrated effective and professional presentation techniques and skills
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, and to take a proactive and aggressive goal-setting approach in developing a Lean culture
• Comfortable working with multiple departments

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job‑related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.

To request a disability‑related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1‑800‑836‑6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.

Benefits

Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. For more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview.