Continuous Improvement Manager

About the role

Stellant Systems, a premier manufacturer of critical power amplification products, specializes in microwave devices for ground‑based, airborne and satellite communications, industrial and medical equipment, and radar, and is the sole U.S. supplier of space‑qualified Traveling Wave Tube and Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers. The Continuous Improvement Manager is a key leader responsible for optimizing organizational processes and driving strategic initiatives to ensure efficiency and profitability. This role provides hands‑on continuous improvement leadership across the Torrance business in a high‑energy, customer‑ and mission‑focused environment, focusing on developing people, leading a high‑performing team, supporting Space production ramp‑up, and driving sustainable improvement in operating metrics (safety, quality, delivery, cost, lead time) through a data‑driven approach, lean manufacturing, and operations methodologies. The role interfaces cross‑functionally with Operations, Program Management, Finance, Mission Assurance/Quality, Supply Chain, Production Planning, Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, and Test Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute the continuous improvement roadmap for the site; monitor and report on improvement project progress; identify new CI projects to add to the roadmap.
• Collect performance data and set KPIs to measure success of changes.
• Lead cross‑functional teams from planning through execution of improvement projects.
• Implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify/reduce bottlenecks, eliminate waste, and continuously improve workflows using KPIs and visual management.
• Create and analyze metrics; drive root cause/corrective actions to address performance gaps.
• Review process workflows, operations, and systems to spot bottlenecks and inefficiencies; develop and drive execution of productivity improvement plans.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Translate business goals into actionable continuous improvement plans and long‑term roadmaps, including capital planning; identify and prioritize improvement projects based on business goals.
• Meet continuous improvement annual operation plan targets; lead the CI team to ensure tools, processes, and staff align with business needs.
• Communicate strategies broadly to expedite adoption and institutionalization of best practices.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and meet goals, providing expertise and guidance on CI projects and systems.
• Coach employees; provide guidance and support on problem‑solving tools and continuous improvement principles.
• Manage and mentor the team while building a culture that supports workforce engagement, retention, and efficiency improvements.
• Develop cross‑functional and team relationships that support a “one team” approach to execution.
• Serve as key leader of the team providing leadership, strategy, and execution; deliver progress and reports to executive team members routinely and as requested.
• Support creating reports and standards for achieving program labor budgets; develop and drive cost improvement plans.
• Support improvement plans in quality metrics that result in cost savings for affected programs.
• Ensure a healthy and safe working environment; comply with federal and state regulations through collaboration with environmental, health and safety staff.
• Support the RCCA process to maintain high‑quality standards.

Qualifications

• Education: Undergraduate degree required (Engineering, Operations Management or Business preferred); Master’s degree advantageous.
• Professional: 9+ years progressive experience in continuous improvement and operations management; strong business acumen and understanding of P&L and balance sheet; ownership mindset supportive of company growth initiatives; experience with high‑reliability assembly processes for highly engineered products; working knowledge of cultural issues impacting lean implementation and demonstrated success overcoming them; experience deploying new production lines, ramping up production, establishing product line‑based flow lines; experience applying best practice FMEA/DFMA/DTC methodologies; lean manufacturing implementation – Six Sigma Green/Black Belt certification a plus; demonstrated computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Additional Preferred Skills: Background in IPC and MIL STD requirements for passive and active devices; experience in DC, RF, and environmental test processes; background in development/LRIP manufacturing efforts; proficiency in ERP systems, data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI), and project management software; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high quality and focus on details; ability to work in a fast‑moving environment under tight schedules and coordinate multiple tasks effectively.
• Career Progression: Long‑term career opportunities within Stellant Systems based on performance in the role.

Pay

Salary range: $120,000 – $166,000 (DOE).