Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer

Manages projects in both manufacturing and office areas as part of the CI team to identify opportunities for improvement throughout the organization to reduce waste and improve workflow. Improvement to processes and procedures to align with established capacity goals to meet customer demand. Facilitates and directs cross-functional teams to implement CI concepts from conception through implementation and sustainment. Focus on building lean culture and continuous improvement as a daily routing for the facility through training and leadership.

• Through the use of CI/ LEAN concepts such as Constraint Management, 6S, Kaizen, TPM, VSM, 4Ms, SMED etc., identify areas of opportunity for improvement events throughout the organization.
• Manages continuous improvement teams
• Update CI metrics and provide follow-up status and reports to Management.
• Develop and maintain visual communication methods in support of the CI effort.
• Organize, plan, facilitate, and report out on scheduled CI activities in support of the organization's Continuous Improvement efforts.

• Establish and maintain action plans for CI activities.

• Leads teams in product failure resolutions and conducts root cause analysis when necessary.

• Identify constraints and bottlenecks throughout the facility.
• Facilitate and follow-up with Kaizen events throughout the facility to address bottlenecks.

• Develop and provide LEAN training and coaching in support of planned activities, including training operators, manufacturing supervisors and other Waukesha plant personnel.
• Provide follow-up support and coaching to Managers and personnel to help sustain work improvement.
• Provide daily constructive follow-up, feedback and coaching to employees on improvement ideas. Encourages employee involvement, engagement, and empowerment.
• Report regularly on progress of assigned projects and keep detailed cost data (as required) on projects. Make recommendations of action required to ensure project completion as scheduled.
• Work closely with other cross functional groups (such as engineering, manufacturing engineers, quality, sourcing, etc.) to identify and implement improvement opportunities.
• Ability to determine layout improvements, such as change in size, location of storage and production areas, location of equipment for most efficient product flow and utilization of space and equipment (SMED).
• Manages 6S and lean pull system audit programs throughout all departments.
• Manages Floor Management Development System board access and data cell configuration.
• Supports manufacturing with capacity and cycle time analysis and provides recommended improvements and conducts senior level staff briefings when necessary.

• Continuously drive plant safety improvements in support of our zero harm culture.

• Excellent process and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of lean concepts and practices
• Certified to Six Sigma green belt level.
• Ability to guide & lead non-technical personnel to technical solutions
• Proven track record of meeting commitments with the highest standards of ethics and integrity
• An excellent team player with strong people skills; able to build relationships at all levels of the organization
• Effective technical communication skills, including verbal (logical and organized), written, listening and presentation.
• Proficient in applications such as Power Point, Excel and Word

Required Education / Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or Industrial Technology
• 1 - 3 years' experience in the Continuous Improvement field

Preferred Education / Experience

• Strong presentation skills; technical communication skills
• Six Sigma Blackbelt or equivalent LEAN training
• Experience working in a union environment
• Self- starter, high energy individuals preferred
• Candidate should enjoy working in a heavy manufacturing environment with production employees
• Ability to complete tasks after being advised of the general nature, scope and objectives of work to be accomplished with a minimum of technical assistance
• Future impact cost analysis skills

Key Working Relationships

• Operations Management, including plant Supervision, Quality, Planning, etc.
• Engineering Organization

Physical Demands

Must be able to stand for extended periods of time

Working Conditions

Shop floor and office environment, located on large manufacturing campus