Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Eaton; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Welfare benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Eaton’s AER MSD Mission System Division seeks a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer in Davenport, IA. The role involves implementing and sustaining continuous improvement objectives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

The successful candidate will be responsible for achieving critical CI KPIs such as cost reduction and quality improvement. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s engineering degree and extensive experience in continuous improvement.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Implement plant-wide continuous improvement objectives.
• Lead CI training and certification for CI professionals.
• Achieve CI KPIs in cost reduction and productivity.

Skills

Lean Process Methods

Six Sigma Methodology

Problem Solving

Data Analysis

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s engineering degree

Tools

Lean Manufacturing

Root Cause Analysis

Job description

Eaton’s AER MSD Mission System Division division is currently seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer. This role is based in Davenport, IA.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $86000 - $126000 a year. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

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

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.

Second Chance Employment

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.

Disability Accommodation

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.

Benefits

We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. 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. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.