Continuous Improvement Engineer II

Date: Sep 12 2026 | Location: Ashland City, TN 37015

Company: A. O. Smith Corporation – a global leader in residential and commercial water heating, boilers, and water‑treatment products.

Workplace Setting: Onsite.

Primary Function

The Continuous Improvement Engineer II drives development and execution of Continuous Improvement initiatives (AO Smith Operating Systems) to optimize business operations and advance a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects using basic and advanced CI tools to optimize workflows, eliminate inefficiencies, and enhance productivity.
• Monitor, collect, and analyze production and process data to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Recommend and implement solutions to reduce time, waste, and costs while improving efficiency.
• Develop and maintain process maps.
• Support front‑line teams in developing and deploying standards, including job instructions.
• Facilitate problem‑solving sessions, Kaizen events, and workshops, applying root‑cause analysis and Lean methodologies.
• Design and implement measurement systems, including KPIs, to track and evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of process improvements.
• Train and mentor team members on continuous improvement tools and methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Monitor and manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables; collaborate with teams to resolve issues and ensure effective communication.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on project outcomes, recommendations, and progress to stakeholders and site leadership.
• Maintain comprehensive records of improvement activities to ensure transparency and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with IT and systems teams to support technology solutions that adopt innovation in business processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years of related work experience or training.
• Excellent understanding of Lean Manufacturing processes and concepts.
• Change Management – builds commitment, overcomes resistance, and supports those affected by change.
• Business Acumen – understands business implications of decisions.
• Cost Consciousness – works within approved budget, develops cost‑saving measures, conserves resources.
• Strategic Thinking – develops strategies to achieve organizational goals.
• Adaptability – adjusts approach to fit situations, handles frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Innovation – generates suggestions for improvement, develops innovative approaches, presents ideas effectively.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Company‑sponsored life insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability programs.
• Tuition assistance.