Process Improvement Engineer

About the role

The Process Improvement Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance within Greenworks’ manufacturing operations. This position partners with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to identify opportunities, eliminate waste, optimize manufacturing processes, and support operational excellence throughout the facility.

Responsibilities

• Design, test, implement, and sustain process improvements that improve labor productivity, throughput, first-pass yield, safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Evaluate assembly line processes, material flow, workstation layouts, and production workflows within battery-powered outdoor power equipment manufacturing operations.
• Identify process bottlenecks, waste, quality issues, and cost reduction opportunities using data-driven analysis and structured problem-solving methods.
• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives, kaizen events, and process improvement workshops.
• Conduct time studies, work measurement, line balancing, and workflow analysis to optimize production efficiency and staffing requirements.
• Use Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, SPC, PFMEA, Control Plans, and root cause analysis tools such as 8D, Fishbone, and 5 Why.
• Support new product introductions (NPI), manufacturing readiness activities, equipment changes, and process validation efforts.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and Management teams to ensure successful implementation of process improvements.
• Ensure process improvements comply with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Track improvement results and report progress against operational goals and key performance indicators.
• Develop, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process maps, training materials, and improvement project documentation.
• Train and support team members on new processes, work standards, technologies, and equipment to ensure consistent adoption.
• Support policies, procedures, and initiatives in support of business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field required.
• Three (3) or more years of manufacturing, process engineering, continuous improvement, industrial engineering, or operations experience preferred.
• Experience in assembly, automotive, consumer products, outdoor power equipment, or high-volume manufacturing environments preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred; Black Belt certification a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, manage projects from initiation to completion, and drive measurable improvements.
• Demonstrated professionalism, dependability, and strong teamwork skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to influence operational teams through data-driven recommendations.
• Ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Skills

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, time studies, work measurement, and root cause analysis methods.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; experience with Power BI, Minitab, or similar analytical software preferred.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD, layout software, or similar process mapping tools preferred, if applicable.
• Ability to develop clear documentation, reports, presentations, standard work, and training materials.

Benefits

• Competitive annual base salary
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid sick leave, vacation, and holidays