Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer I-III

About the role

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc, is seeking a Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer I-III to join their team at the Berea, KY manufacturing facility. This position involves developing and maintaining equipment specifications, tooling requirements, manufacturing processes, work instructions, quality inspection standards, and accurate time studies. The engineer will provide day-to-day engineering support, troubleshoot issues, optimize processes, and ensure smooth operation. They will also identify, lead, and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methods, mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke), root-cause analysis, and Six Sigma tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain equipment specifications, tooling requirements, manufacturing processes, work instructions, quality inspection standards, and accurate time studies to ensure safe and efficient production.
• Provide day-to-day engineering support to assigned manufacturing areas, troubleshooting issues, optimizing processes, and ensuring smooth operation.
• Identify, lead, and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methods, mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke), root-cause analysis, and Six Sigma tools.
• Lead small-to-medium CI projects.
• Drive and mentor teams through complex CI initiatives.
• Research, evaluate, and introduce new manufacturing technologies, equipment, and tooling that enhance productivity, quality, and safety.
• Manage engineering changes to ensure documentation such as drawings, routings, and process standards remain accurate and up to date.
• Maintain organized records for equipment, processes, routings, tooling, and quality-related documentation to support compliance and operational continuity.

Qualifications

• Level I: Bachelor's degree in Engineering required. 1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Level II: Bachelor's degree in Engineering required. 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Level III: Bachelor's degree in Engineering required. 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Preferred Qualifications: AWS Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) certification or willingness to obtain certification. Master's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Welding Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Experience with robotic welding systems, preferably Fanuc robotic welding equipment and automation.

Skills, Experience & Abilities

• Leadership abilities appropriate to the level (Level I: foundational; Level II: intermediate; Level III: strong) to drive continuous improvement initiatives and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, process improvement techniques, and structured problem-solving tools.
• Participate on improvement teams (Level I).
• Lead improvement teams (Level II).
• Coach and mentor teams in CI methodology (Level III).
• Analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose issues and implement effective corrective actions.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time-management abilities; able to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Technical knowledge of key manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, mechanical and electromechanical assembly, automation, PLC fundamentals, torque tooling, and time studies.
• Considered a subject matter expert in at least one major process area (Level III).

Who We Are

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc, designs, engineers, manufactures, sells and services a comprehensive line of lift trucks, aftermarket parts and technology and energy solutions that are transforming the way the world moves materials from Port to Home. As a global leader in the materials handling industry, we have been building relationships with our customers, suppliers, dealers and employees for over 100 years.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay
• Tuition reimbursement
• Supportive work environment
• Hybrid work option
• Opportunities for growth and development
• A full benefits package: paid time off; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, employer-sponsored profit sharing and 401(k)

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer with an excellent benefit package including medical, dental and life insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing.