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Operational Excellence Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reporting to the Operational Excellence Lead, this role serves as an engineering engine to advance our site's continuous improvement (CI) strategy, directly supporting our mission to deliver superior ...

Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering * 5-10 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or operational excellence roles * Proven experience ...

New

Operational Excellence Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$61K - $83K/yr

The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Engineer will be a highly qualified continuous improvement professional with deep experience in achieving transformative results and working within a management ...

Operational Excellence Engineer

Saint George, UT ยท On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

As an Operational Excellence Engineer , you'll be at the center of that standard, driving the Lean and continuous improvement initiatives that keep our manufacturing operations sharp, efficient, and ...

New

WI ยท On-site

$85 - $110/hr

## Operational Excellence Engineer Sr.Applylocations: Wausau, WItime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: JR110680Apogee Architectural MetalsApogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:

New

Sr. Operational Excellence Engineer

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

The Senior Operational Excellence Engineer serves as the administrator and coach of the Change to Win and Production System programs, consistently supporting business growth and operational ...

New

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Operational Excellence Engineer information

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$135K

How much do operational excellence engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational excellence engineer in the United States is $85,029.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $94,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Operational Excellence Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Operational Excellence Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Operational Excellence Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Operational Excellence Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Operational Excellence Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,029 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Operational Excellence Specialist

Canopy A&D

Ontario, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

From Engine Bay to Payload, we protect vital structures and systems.
Hera Technologies is a premier contract manufacturer specializing in high-precision metallic and non-metallic solutions for the Aerospace, Defense, and Space sectors. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has positioned us as an industry leader in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of thermal support systems. Our team is driven by excellence, integrity, and a passion for advancing aerospace technology.
Take the next step in your career with a company committed to excellence, where your contributions are recognized, and your potential is realized.
Hera Technologies is seeking a dedicated, hands-on OPEX Specialist (Operational Excellence Specialist) to support factory flow optimization and drive continuous improvement across our manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Operational Excellence Lead, this role serves as an engineering engine to advance our site's continuous improvement (CI) strategy, directly supporting our mission to deliver superior quality, high-precision aerospace solutions on time while fostering a culture grounded in operational excellence, integrity, safety, and teamwork.
The ideal candidate brings a solid foundation in industrial or manufacturing engineering principles, practical knowledge of the Toyota Production System (TPS), and a true passion for shop-floor execution. You will spend significant time on the floor conducting time and motion studies, validating process maturity, gathering data, and authoring standard work that drives throughput, quality, cost reduction, and continuous value for our customers.
Key Responsibilities
  • Time & Motion Studies: Conduct rigorous time studies, cycle time evaluations, and process observations to establish accurate baseline metrics, track labor routing, and identify production bottlenecks.
  • Standard Work Development: Author, optimize, and maintain highly detailed Standard Work, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and work instructions, ensuring they promote strict quality compliance, repeatability, and operator safety.
  • Site CI Deployment & Process Maturity: Serve as a shop-floor focal for Hera's continuous improvement initiatives. Assist in conducting process analysis, shop-floor evaluations, and workflow validations to identify waste, improve throughput, and elevate site-wide process maturity.
  • Kaizen & Root-Cause Problem Solving: Act as a tactical driver for Kaizen events, CI workshops, and root-cause problem solving initiatives (DMAIC / 8D / 5-Why). Perform comprehensive pre-event data collection, analyze current state workflows, and execute ground-level implementations.
  • TPS & Lean Application: Apply core principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS) daily to identify and eliminate waste in processes, cellular layout configurations, and manufacturing methods.
  • Visual Factory & 5S Culture: Support the physical rollout and daily maintenance of visual management systems (kanban, production tracking boards) and strictly enforce 5S methodologies across all production work centers to maintain a clean, organized, and safe workplace.
  • Data Analytics & Productivity Tracking: Meticulously collect, validate, and analyze operational data (routing, labor tracking, yield) to support project selection, root-cause analysis, and project validation. Assist in tracking and reporting out site productivity project funnels to leadership.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Frontline Coaching: Partner closely with operators, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure smooth rollouts of new standards. Coach frontline employees in basic CI methodologies to strengthen overall site competency, build trust, and drive a proactive continuous improvement culture

Required Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
  • Experience: 1-4 years of practical experience in a continuous improvement, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or operational excellence role.
  • Methodologies: Solid understanding of Toyota Production System (TPS) principles, Kaizen methodologies, and foundational Lean tools (Value Stream Mapping, 5S, DMAIC).
  • Technical Skills: Hands-on experience performing Time & Motion Studies, authoring comprehensive Standard Work, and utilizing process mapping to identify process waste and automation opportunities.
  • Analytical Mindset: High attention to detail when collecting, validating, and interpreting shop-floor data, with a strong personal commitment to quality and accountability. Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
  • Boots-on-the-Ground Operational Approach: Willingness and desire to spend most of the workday on the production floor observing processes, listening to frontline feedback, and executing practical solutions.
  • Communication & Teamwork: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams, engage operators constructively, and align with Hera's collaborative culture.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume aerospace or defense manufacturing environment
  • Familiarity with AS9100 quality standards and regulated manufacturing environments
  • Exposure to ERP systems and shop floor data integration
  • Lean Six Sigma certification (Yellow or Green Belt)

Additional Requirements
  • Willingness to work overtime (weekdays or weekends)
  • Ability to use a computer for submitting reports and tracking work orders
  • Ability to maintain a clean environment
  • Ability to work at heights using a ladder or scissor lift
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50lbs.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
  • Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed.
Job Details
Salary Range: $80,000 to $100,000
Type: Full Time
Business Hours: Core Business Hours
Reports to: Operational Excellence Lead
FLSA Classifications: Salary (Exempt)
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.
EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.