Role - Continuous Improvement Engineer
Location - Watertown, WI
Work Type - Full-time / On-site
About the Job
A leading manufacturing company is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive operational excellence at its Watertown production facility. This role focuses on improving safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance by leading data-driven improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
The ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing background, experience leading continuous improvement projects, and a passion for optimizing processes, reducing waste, and building sustainable operational systems.
Position Summary
The Continuous Improvement Engineer partners with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and R&D teams to identify improvement opportunities, optimize manufacturing processes, reduce variability, and implement best practices that enhance plant performance.
Key Responsibilities
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste and improve process performance.
Identify, prioritize, and manage continuous improvement projects aligned with plant objectives.
Analyze production data to improve throughput, yield, and operational efficiency.
Troubleshoot manufacturing processes and equipment issues to minimize downtime.
Develop and standardize work procedures to improve consistency and product quality.
Conduct root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Perform time studies and process evaluations to identify improvement opportunities.
Train and coach operations and maintenance teams on continuous improvement tools and best practices.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and R&D.
Support additional operational improvement initiatives as needed.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Industrial, or related discipline) or equivalent experience.
Minimum 3 years of manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods experience preferred.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and industrial engineering principles.
Experience interpreting P&IDs, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), and equipment drawings.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; Microsoft Project is a plus.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Work Environment
Manufacturing production facility.
Cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and R&D.
Fast-paced, continuous improvement-focused environment.
Opportunity to lead projects that directly impact plant performance and operational excellence.