Continuous Improvement Engineer

About the role

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost through the application of Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies. This role leads cross-functional initiatives, partners closely with production, quality, and engineering teams, and ensures sustainable results through standardization, data-driven decision making, and workforce engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) performance across manufacturing operations
• Identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies (A3, DMAIC, 8D, QRI)
• Analyze production data, scrap, and yield trends to identify root causes of variation and drive corrective actions
• Partner with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve process capability and reduce defects
• Facilitate root cause investigations for internal quality issues and customer complaints; ensure permanent corrective actions are implemented and sustained
• Develop and maintain standard work, process documentation, and visual controls to support consistent operations
• Support and lead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and daily management system (DMS) routines
• Drive improvements in process flow, material handling, and layout to reduce waste and improve throughput
• Support new product introductions and engineering changes (ECOs) by ensuring process readiness and risk mitigation
• Train and coach team members on Lean principles, problem-solving methods, and standard work adherence
• Support internal and external audits by ensuring processes meet quality and compliance standards
• Lead or support cost reduction initiatives through waste elimination, process optimization, and material usage improvements
• Participate in cross-functional projects across sites as needed to drive standardization and best practice sharing
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, employee engagement, and accountability at all levels of the organization
• Understand workplace hazards and take steps to proactively prevent and report hazards or injuries in the workplace. Cooperate in Safety Programs, initiatives, and investigations

Qualifications

• Ability to lead projects and accept responsibility for their success or failure
• Ability to negotiate with outside parties for mutual benefit
• Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences, both internal and external
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks based on the overall company/department strategies
• Ability to envision the next level of performance regarding Lean Manufacturing operations and processes across AVD
• Ability to create and implement processes and procedures as well as evaluate their effectiveness within the organization
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, interrupt-driven environment
• Ability to deal with change and conflicts
• Ability to function in a deadline-driven environment
• Must possess a high degree of professionalism and be able to handle confidential information
• Must be a flexible and adaptable facilitator between internal departments across brands and regions
• Must possess high level of enthusiasm, strong integrity, keen customer service, excellent organizational skills, and excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Be detail-oriented and have excellent follow-through skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must have the ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues, by using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, regulation or government law

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, industrial or mechanical engineering and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a manufacturing environment; or combination of relevant education and experience