Continuous Improvement Specialist

About the role

Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO), the managing and operating contractor of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to join the team in Carlsbad, New Mexico. This role leads, facilitates, and executes structured process improvement initiatives across the organization using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, reduce process variation, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams, including department leaders, technical subject matter experts, frontline employees, laborers, and craft, to develop comprehensive solutions addressing root causes.
• Lead, manage, facilitate, and execute medium- to large-scale continuous improvement projects from inception through completion with autonomy.
• Apply data-driven problem-solving and Six Sigma methods (DMAIC, Value Stream Mapping, FMEA, SPC, Root Cause Analysis, inferential statistics, process modeling, and simulation) to identify bottlenecks, variation, inefficiencies, and waste.
• Plan, facilitate, and execute rapid-improvement Kaizen events to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, improve process flow, and establish standardized work instructions.
• Serve as a change agent, mentor, trainer, and facilitator to drive organizational development and sustainability.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior management, technical experts, internal and external customers.
• Develop and report performance metrics to demonstrate measurable, sustainable results.

Requirements

• Master’s degree and one (1) year of professional experience, or
• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of professional experience, or
• Associate’s degree and seven (7) years of professional experience, or
• High School Diploma or Equivalency and eleven (11) years of professional experience.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must be authorized to work and remain in the United States without SIMCO visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Must be able to obtain a Department of Energy badge for access to the WIPP Site (compliance with security requirements is mandatory, even for teleworking roles).
• Non-U.S. citizens from countries identified by the Department of Energy as posing heightened security concerns may be subject to additional security requirements limiting site access.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading DMAIC process improvement projects, Kaizen events, or multi-site/organizational meetings.
• Demonstrated experience applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve quality, cycle time, cost, safety, workflow, and process performance.
• Basic data analysis acumen, including developing algorithms using logic and conditional statements; ability to learn statistical data analysis and simulation modeling.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio, with the ability to learn relevant software programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including effectiveness as a communicator, facilitator, team player, mentor, trainer, and change agent.
• Strategic, creative, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Project and program management skills with influential leadership capabilities.
• Ability to interface effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including laborers, craft, frontline staff, senior management, and technical subject matter experts.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to obstacles, and remain committed to achieving objectives.
• Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is recommended.

Pay

Salary range: $70,972 to $145,184 per year (exempt, grade levels 28-32). The specific salary offered will be influenced by the candidate’s relevant experience and education.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (coverage begins on date of hire).
• Surgical concierge service and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, including wellness plans, estate planning, and financial counseling.
• Modern work arrangements, including 4-day workweeks (four 10-hour days).
• Relocation assistance and shuttle commuter service from local areas.
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• On-site fitness center and wellness support, including public gym membership reductions.
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance (1x annual salary).
• Pension plan providing monthly annuity after retirement and 401(k) with 0.50 matching up to 6%.
• Voluntary benefits, including:
  • Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity insurance.
  • Long-term disability program.
  • Health and Flexible Savings Accounts.
  • Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance.