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Continuous Improvement Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

PPG

Operation Excellence Leader

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

You will foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration through leadership, best practices, employee coaching, and employee development. You will work on-site at our Huntsville, AL ...

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Continuous Improvement information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$27.7K

$93K

$128.8K

How much do continuous improvement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for continuous improvement in Decatur, AL is $93,027.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $110,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is continuous improvement?

Continuous improvement is an ongoing effort to enhance products, services, or processes by making small, incremental changes over time. The goal is to increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce waste within an organization. This approach often involves methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen, and encourages employee involvement at all levels. Continuous improvement is crucial for organizations to stay competitive and responsive to changing market demands.

What is a continuous improvement job?

Continuous improvement jobs focus on finding ways to improve business operations and processes. As a continuous improvement specialist, you work to review current business and project practices, identify targets of improvement, and make recommendations or develop a plan to implement those improvements. You analyze company operations and help execute improvements in a particular area. The duties of a continuous improvement manager focus on working to manage a specific process or processes and implementing procedural changes within a company. As a continuous improvement coordinator, your responsibilities involve working with different departments and teams to support and enact improvement plans.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a continuous improvement professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Continuous Improvement professional, you need strong analytical skills, process optimization expertise, and a background in industrial engineering or business management, often supported by Lean Six Sigma certification. Familiarity with process mapping tools, data analysis software (like Minitab), and project management systems is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities help drive change and engage cross-functional teams. These skills ensure sustainable process improvements, increased efficiency, and long-term organizational success.

How does a continuous improvement professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process enhancements?

Continuous Improvement professionals work closely with various departments, such as operations, quality, and engineering, to identify process bottlenecks and recommend solutions. They facilitate workshops like Kaizen events, gather feedback from team members, and use data-driven approaches to analyze workflows. Effective communication and collaboration are key, as these professionals often need to align diverse perspectives and ensure that improvements are sustainable and widely adopted. Regular meetings and follow-ups are common to monitor progress and address any challenges that arise during implementation.

What is the difference between Continuous Improvement vs Process Analyst?

AspectContinuous ImprovementProcess Analyst
CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, KaizenLean, Six Sigma, Business Analysis
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, Service, CorporateManufacturing, Business, IT
Industry UsageBroad, across sectorsPrimarily manufacturing and business processes
Primary FocusOngoing process enhancementsAnalyzing and improving specific processes

While both roles focus on improving efficiency, Continuous Improvement professionals lead ongoing initiatives to enhance processes across an organization, often using methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma. Process Analysts typically analyze specific workflows to identify improvements. Continuous Improvement is broader and strategic, whereas Process Analysts focus on detailed process analysis.

Is continuous improvement a good career?

Continuous improvement is a valuable career path focused on enhancing processes, efficiency, and quality within organizations. It often involves skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and project management, with certifications like Lean or Six Sigma enhancing job prospects. The role typically offers opportunities for advancement and contributes to organizational success.

What are examples of continuous improvement?

Continuous improvement in a job context involves regularly analyzing processes, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing small, incremental changes to enhance productivity, quality, or safety. Common examples include adopting new tools or techniques, streamlining workflows, and encouraging employee feedback to foster ongoing development. This approach often relies on methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma to sustain progress over time.
More about Continuous Improvement jobs

What job categories do people searching Continuous Improvement jobs in Decatur, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Continuous Improvement jobs in Decatur, AL are:

What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Continuous Improvement jobs?

Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Continuous Improvement job openings:

Continuous Improvement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Continuous Improvement job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,509 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Continuous Improvement Leader 5

Decatur, AL • On-site

United Launch Alliance
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about United Launch Allianceexternal

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

 Requisition ID: 1961

Location: ULA - Decatur 

Relocation: Yes- Relocation may be available 

Travel Requirements: 10% 

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

As a Continuous Improvement Leader in Decatur, AL, this individual is responsible for driving and embedding process improvement across the factory to enhance efficiency, quality, and performance. This role requires a blend of technical expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and other improvement methodologies with leadership and change management skills.

Core Responsibilities: 

  • Lead Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Drive, facilitate, and support continuous improvement activities across all areas of the business, acting as a catalyst for a continuous improvement mindset 
  • Implement Lean Practices: Promote and guide the adoption of Lean Enterprise systems, including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Continuous Flow, TPM, Root Cause Analysis, and other process improvement tools 
  • Transformation & Strategy: Partner with senior leaders to develop transformation strategies, annual improvement plans, and long-range strategic plans aligned with organizational goals 
  • Kaizen & Events: Lead and participate in kaizen events, track progress, and ensure sustained gains; facilitate cross-functional improvement projects 
  • Training & Coaching: Deliver coaching, mentoring, and training on Lean principles, tools, and behaviors to empower employees at all levels 
  • Data & KPIs: Develop and maintain KPIs, dashboards, and reports to measure improvement impact and present progress to leadership 
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with department leaders, field teams, and stakeholders to standardize processes, reduce waste, and improve operational performance 
  • Change Management: Manage change effectively, ensuring smooth implementation of new processes and systems 

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

Minimum of 8 years of related work experience

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field from an accredited college or university
  • 8 years of relevant experience including continuous improvement or process improvement roles, preferably in manufacturing, operations, or industrial environments, plus a minimum of 2 years of leadership, team leadership and/or project management experience
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Gemba, or Obeya methodology certification 
  • Proficiency in data analysis, problem-solving, and improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) 
  • Strong communication, collaboration, facilitation, and influence skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines 

Preferred Qualifications

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

  • 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
  • Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
  • Generous paid time off
  • Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).

ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted.

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