TPS & Process Improvement Specialist

Socket.dev; Carol Stream (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

FSA and Transit FSA

401(k) matching

Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Vacation and Holidays

Job summary

FIC America Corp. in Carol Stream, IL is seeking an Operational Development Specialist to support Toyota Production System activities and project facilitation across production areas.

You will conduct TPS audits, time studies, verify standard work, and identify waste to drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements. The role requires collaboration with production, quality, engineering, HR, maintenance, and suppliers, plus cross-functional communication and PM discipline.

Qualifications

• Basic to working knowledge of Toyota Production System principles, standardized work, Kaizen, 5S, visual management
• Ability to observe production processes, collect data, identify abnormalities, analyze process conditions, and communicate findings clearly
• Assist with project coordination, milestone tracking, issue follow-up, and cross-functional communication
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation, reports, audit results, open issue lists, and follow-up records
• Multilingual in English, Japanese, and or Spanish is highly desired
• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Experience working in an automotive industry is preferred
• ERP experience is preferred
• Valid license is required to drive between production facilities

Responsibilities

• Conduct time studies and verify standard work, cycle times, manpower requirements, line balance, and production targets for new and existing processes
• Perform daily TPS audits of BD, CS, and other assigned production areas to identify waste, abnormal conditions, safety concerns, quality risks, and improvement opportunities
• Record TPS audit results, maintain accurate audit data, and communicate findings, trends, and follow-up items to responsible departments
• Support project facilitation activities by helping identify project milestones, goals, required actions, owners, timing, and completion status
• Use structured project management methods, including visual progress tracking and follow-up tools, to support customer, department, supplier, and internal improvement activities
• Review shop-floor documents, including standard work, PQC documents, work instructions, technical standards, and training materials, to confirm they are clear, current, effective, and properly followed
• Support departmental improvement activities related to 5S, visual management, line balance, material flow, productivity improvement, waste reduction, and process control
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant technical guidelines, engineering change instructions, customer requirements, and internal standards needed to support assigned projects and process improvements
• Serve as a liaison between departments and support communication between production, quality, engineering, HR, maintenance, management, customers, suppliers, and related Futaba companies when assigned
• Manage multiple improvement activities or project tasks simultaneously while maintaining clear communication, accurate follow-up, and timely escalation when support is needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

TPS principles

Data collection

Project coordination

Documentation

Multilingual

Automotive experience

Licensed driver

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

ERP

Job description

FIC America Corp. in Carol Stream, IL is seeking an Operational Development Specialist to support Toyota Production System activities and project facilitation across production areas.

You will conduct TPS audits, time studies, verify standard work, and identify waste to drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements. The role requires collaboration with production, quality, engineering, HR, maintenance, and suppliers, plus cross-functional communication and PM discipline.