Continuous Improvement Technician

The primary objective of a Continuous Improvement Technician is to increase productivity, improve quality, reduce waste, enhance safety, and drive a culture of continuous improvement by working directly with production teams where the work occurs (Gemba). *This position will require a flexible schedule to support operations across multiple shifts.

Responsibilities

Monitor Production Processes; Observe daily operations on the shop floor; Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, quality issues, and safety concerns; Collect real-time performance data and analyze trends; Sustain and support daily manufacturing operations as the CI representative on the operations team; Support Continuous Improvement Initiatives; Be the CI representative at Tier 2 and 3 meetings and actively implement 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; Provide hands-on support for Operations in implementation of improvements; Lead, own, and drive cross-functional continuous improvement projects, as assigned, i.e. 5S, improved yield and OEE; Prepare, distribute & present project status reports to project team members and management; Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis; Investigate recurring production, quality, and downtime issues; Facilitate root cause analysis teams and implement effective countermeasures; Standard Work and Process Optimization; Create, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs); Ensure work instructions reflect best practices; Help establish and sustain standardized work methods; Employee Engagement; Work closely with operators, technicians, and supervisors; Encourage employee involvement in improvement opportunities; Train team members on CI tools and methodologies; Visual Management and Workplace Organization; Support 5S implementation and audits; Maintain visual boards, performance dashboards, and action trackers; Promote a culture of workplace discipline and accountability; Project Execution; Assist in planning, executing, and documenting CI projects; Verify that improvements deliver measurable results; Help sustain gains through audits and follow-up activities; Safety and Quality Support; Ensure improvements align with safety and quality requirements; Participate in safety observations and quality investigations; Help reduce defects, rework, and process variation.

Requirements

Associate’s degree required and >1 year of operations leadership experience (i.e. lead, supervisor, manager); or >3 years of operations leadership experience (i.e. lead, supervisor, manager); >3 years of experience working with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing facility; >1 year of experience leading improvement initiatives in operations; Strong communication, listening, leadership, and organizational skills; Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; Ability to think creatively and proactively propose solutions with attention to detail; Knowledge of 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.

Nice to have

Knowledge of Lean tools (i.e. 5S, root cause analysis, A3) preferred; Prior knowledge/experience with Lean Manufacturing is preferred.

Benefits

health; dental; vision; wellness programs; employee discounts; retirement plans; tuition reimbursement; ongoing development; advancement opportunities