Operations Excellence Engineer

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Operations Excellence Engineer to support our Madison, WI manufacturing operations. This role drives continuous improvement and operational excellence across manufacturing processes by partnering with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and other cross‑functional teams. If you’re passionate about Lean manufacturing, problem‑solving, data analysis, and delivering measurable operational improvements, this is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact.

Why Placon – You’ll Love It Here

Drive meaningful operational improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and delivery performance. Lead continuous improvement initiatives, facilitate Kaizen events, and partner with diverse teams across Production, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance. Build sustainable systems and standards that enable long‑term operational success while enjoying competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and career growth opportunities.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and employee engagement.
• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities through operational data, process observations, employee feedback, and performance trends.
• Apply Lean manufacturing principles and tools to eliminate waste, reduce variation, improve process flow, and increase operational efficiency.
• Improve production efficiencies through increased cycle rates and labor optimization methods.
• Identify opportunities to improve Yield, Uptime, Efficiency, MUV, and other key operational metrics.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and cross‑functional problem‑solving activities.
• Develop sustainable systems, standards, and problem‑solving capabilities within Operations teams.
• Ensure Daily Visual Management programs are implemented and utilized effectively.
• Analyze operational performance data and drive corrective actions as needed.
• Support organizational objectives and perform additional duties as assigned.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience in a manufacturing environment with hands‑on process troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of plastic materials.
• Hands‑on experience leading Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) problem‑solving activities.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Ability to learn and utilize MRP/ERP systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑starter with a hands‑on approach and ability to work independently.

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Profit sharing.
• Advancement opportunities.

Schedule

Full‑time exempt position.

Additional Information

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable). Candidates must have and maintain authorization to work in the United States; Placon does not sponsor non‑immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.