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Operational Excellence Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Eaton

Operational Excellence Manager (OPEX)

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

... Excellence (OPEX) Manager for our Lincoln, IL manufacturing facility. Relocation assistance is ... Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, quality, supply ...

The Hartford

DevOps Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$54.25 - $74.50/hr

This role will play a critical part in accelerating application delivery, improving operational excellence, and enabling engineering teams through modern DevOps practices. You will have the ...

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Operational Excellence Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$34.9K

$82.4K

$130.8K

How much do operational excellence engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational excellence engineer in Illinois is $82,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,300.00 and $91,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operational Excellence Engineer?

To thrive as an Operational Excellence Engineer, you need a solid background in process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis tools, statistical software, and certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt are highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, communication, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams are crucial soft skills. These capabilities are important because they drive continuous improvement, efficiency, and sustainable value creation within organizations.

What is an operational excellence engineer?

Operational Excellence Engineers are professionals who focus on improving business processes, increasing efficiency, and ensuring quality within an organization. They use methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement to analyze workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement solutions that drive operational performance. Their role often involves leading cross-functional teams, training staff, and monitoring key performance indicators to sustain long-term results.

How does an operational excellence engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements?

Operational Excellence Engineers work closely with departments such as production, quality, supply chain, and IT to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements. They often facilitate workshops, lead root cause analyses, and coordinate kaizen or continuous improvement initiatives that require input from multiple stakeholders. Effective communication and the ability to bring diverse teams together are key, as these engineers ensure that proposed changes are feasible and aligned with overall business objectives. Collaboration is not only frequent but essential for successful, sustainable outcomes.

What is the difference between Operational Excellence Engineer vs Process Improvement Specialist?

AspectOperational Excellence EngineerProcess Improvement Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degrees, certifications like Lean, Six SigmaOften holds similar certifications, background in process analysis
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, industrial, or corporate settings focusing on efficiencyVarious industries, focusing on analyzing and optimizing processes
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, healthcare, and logisticsUsed across industries including manufacturing, services, and healthcare

Operational Excellence Engineers and Process Improvement Specialists both focus on enhancing efficiency and reducing waste. While the Engineer often works on large-scale projects and implements strategic initiatives, the Specialist may focus more on specific process analysis and incremental improvements. Both roles require similar certifications and are integral to continuous improvement efforts across industries.

What does an operational excellence engineer do?

An operational excellence engineer focuses on improving business processes, efficiency, and quality within an organization. They analyze workflows, implement lean or Six Sigma methodologies, and use tools like data analysis and process mapping to optimize operations and reduce waste.

What are popular job titles related to Operational Excellence Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Operational Excellence Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operational Excellence Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Excellence Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Operational Excellence Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Excellence Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,395 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Sr. Specialists Business/Operational Excellence (Engineering and Manufacturing)

Abbott

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

$78K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

175th of 543 rated manufacturers

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people's health. We're always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.

Our diagnostic solutions are used in hospitals, laboratories, and clinics around the globe. The crucial information derived from our tests, instruments and informatics systems are often the first step in patient care decision making for hundreds of health conditions from heart attacks to blood disorders to infectious diseases and cancers.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You'll also have access to:

  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
  • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
  • An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
  • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

  • This is not remote position
  • Must be able to travel up to 5%

Our location in Lake Forest, IL currently has an opportunity for a Sr. Specialists Business/Operational Excellence (Engineering and Manufacturing) role that is responsible for the execution and ongoing management of process improvement business excellence initiatives developed by Core Dx's Pinnacle Program.

What You'll Work On

  • Lead and drive the Enterprise Excellence Program by applying operational excellence frameworks (Shingo, Class A) and Abbott best practices.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, data-driven decision making, customer value, and process excellence.
  • Drive change management initiatives and challenge existing processes to improve performance and replicate best practices.
  • Partner with engineers, scientists, project managers, and business support teams across Operations Technology & Engineering.
  • Develop, execute, and continuously enhance business and operational excellence strategies for the CDx Operational Technology & Engineering Division.
  • Support cross-functional teams across the U.S., Germany, and Ireland, including Capital Business Office, Facilities & EHS, and Software Engineering.
  • Support development of strategic initiatives aligned with division goals and the Business/Operational Excellence Program.
  • Identify and drive cross-functional continuous improvement opportunities.
  • Build and align cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.
  • Lead change management and communications, including SharePoint administration and employee communications.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership on key initiatives and organizational priorities.
  • Support quarterly department meetings and employee engagement programs.
  • Develop and deliver training materials on business excellence methodologies and tools.
  • Conduct maturity assessments and identify opportunities for organizational growth and improvement and anticipate future challenges and develop proactive strategies and action plans.

Required Qualifications

  • Associate degree
  • 4 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Science,Business, or relatedfield.
  • Project Engineering and Process optimization experience.
  • Supply chain, engineering, and manufacturing experience.
  • Knowledge of applicable standards for a regulated environment.
  • Certified in Lean Six Sigma.

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

The base pay for this position is

$78,000.00 - $156,000.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:Project ManagementDIVISION:CRLB Core LabLOCATION:United States > Lake Forest : CP01ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:StandardTRAVEL:Yes, 5 % of the TimeMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:Not ApplicableSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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