Continuous Improvement Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our expanding continuous improvement team. This role plays a pivotal part in driving operational and cost improvements across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects aligned with company cost reduction and operational goals, ensuring delivery of measurable results.
• Partner with Finance & Accounting to quantify project impact, validate savings, and identify additional cost optimization opportunities.
• Analyze and interpret data to identify opportunities, inform decisions, and track the effectiveness and sustainability of improvements.
• Communicate CI priorities, project progress, and change initiatives to stakeholders, supporting effective adoption and execution.
• Challenge existing processes and assumptions to identify inefficiencies and drive meaningful operational improvements.
• Identify, scope, and lead cross-functional process improvement initiatives across Manufacturing and other departments.
• Guide teams on Lean methodologies, tools, and performance metrics to build CI capability across the organization.
• Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and change control efforts to ensure sustainable process improvements.
• Partner with operations and leadership to design future-state processes and implement improvements at the department and site level.
• Engage regularly with manufacturing teams to identify issues, gather input, and drive practical, floor-level solutions.
• Drive accountability through development and tracking of performance metrics to ensure sustained improvement outcomes.

Requirements

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement.
• A bachelor’s degree in industrial or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience supporting or leading continuous improvement, process optimization, or transformation initiatives in a manufacturing or operations environment.
• Hands-on experience leveraging manufacturing systems (e.g., Redzone, FactoryTalk, Domo) to drive performance improvements and operational visibility.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Historian) to develop insights, track performance, and support decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to apply Lean/CI methodologies to solve complex business problems and deliver measurable, sustainable results.
• Solid understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing operations, processes, and production environments.
• Understanding of industrial cost drivers and ability to connect improvement efforts to financial outcomes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools to support reporting and project work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects with competing timelines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and lead initiatives in dynamic, ambiguous environments.
• Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify root causes, and adjust approaches to meet business objectives.
• Ability to leverage tools, data, and cross-functional partnerships to make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build credibility with both frontline teams and leadership.

Qualifications

• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Skills

• Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Manufacturing operations, processes, and production environments.
• Business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Historian).
• Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Project management and prioritization skills.
• Independent judgment and initiative.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Collaboration and cross-functional partnership skills.

Benefits

At Oregon Freeze Dry, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and overall wellbeing. This includes customizable healthcare coverage, retirement plans, life and disability insurance, pet insurance, and more. We also provide generous PTO and sick time, community support opportunities, and referral bonuses to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

Pay

Compensation details will be provided upon successful completion of the application process.

Schedule

The schedule for this role will be determined based on the needs of the organization and the individual's qualifications. Employees may be required to travel to different work locations by personal car.