Continuous Improvement Technician

About the role

As a Continuous Improvement Technician, you will drive productivity, quality, safety, and waste reduction by working directly with production teams on the shop floor (Gemba). This role requires a flexible schedule to support operations across multiple shifts.

Responsibilities

• Monitor daily production processes, identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, quality issues, and safety concerns, and collect real-time performance data.
• Sustain and support manufacturing operations as the Continuous Improvement (CI) representative on the operations team.
• Serve as the CI representative at Tier 2 and 3 meetings, implementing solutions based on employee suggestions to eliminate waste and improve safety, quality, and line efficiencies.
• Participate in Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other CI activities, providing hands-on support for implementation of improvements.
• Lead, own, and drive cross-functional CI projects (e.g., 5S, yield improvement, OEE).
• Prepare, distribute, and present project status reports to team members and management.
• Investigate recurring production, quality, and downtime issues, facilitating root cause analysis and implementing countermeasures.
• Create, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure work instructions reflect best practices.
• Help establish and sustain standardized work methods.
• Work closely with operators, technicians, and supervisors to encourage employee involvement in improvement opportunities.
• Train team members on CI tools and methodologies.
• Support 5S implementation and audits, maintain visual boards, performance dashboards, and action trackers.
• Promote a culture of workplace discipline and accountability.
• Assist in planning, executing, and documenting CI projects, verifying measurable results and sustaining gains through audits.
• Ensure improvements align with safety and quality requirements, participate in safety observations and quality investigations, and help reduce defects, rework, and process variation.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree required and more than 1 year of operations leadership experience (e.g., lead, supervisor, manager); OR more than 3 years of operations leadership experience.
• More than 3 years of experience working with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing facility.
• More than 1 year of experience leading improvement initiatives in operations.
• Knowledge of Lean tools (e.g., 5S, root cause analysis, A3) preferred.

Skills

• Strong communication, listening, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Creative and proactive problem-solving with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database management software.
• High-energy self-starter with a resilient, can-do attitude.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Strong coaching, facilitation, and organizational skills with a demonstrated track record of successful change management.
• Prior knowledge/experience with Lean Manufacturing is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness programs and employee discounts.
• Retirement plans and tuition reimbursement.
• Ongoing development and advancement opportunities.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $67,600 - $78,800 USD, depending on skills, experience, and location.