1

Operational Excellence Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PPG is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer I to support continuous improvement initiatives at our Cleveland coatings manufacturing site. This role partners with cross‑functional teams to ...

Operational Excellence Engineer II (Onsite)

Windsor, CO · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm Position is onsite in Windsor, CO Purpose and Scope The Operational Excellence Engineer II is a member of the Operational Excellence core team and plays a key role in ...

Operational Excellence Engineer II (Onsite)

Windsor, CO · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm Position is onsite in Windsor, CO Purpose and Scope The Operational Excellence Engineer II is a member of the Operational Excellence core team and plays a key role in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

Operational Excellence Engineer information

See salary details

$36K

$85K

$135K

How much do operational excellence engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 are Operational Excellence Engineers?

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.
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:
What job categories do people searching Operational Excellence Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Operational Excellence Engineer jobs are:

Operational Excellence Engineer (OpEx)

Vallourec North America

Youngstown, OH • On-site

$65K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Make an Impact With Us
At Vallourec, we are seeking individuals whose passion and dedication match the strength and resilience of the steel we produce. 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 system environment. The role is tasked with the facilitation and deployment of the DRIVE+ (OpEx Management System). Primary focus is on the definition of the region strategy regarding the deployment of corporate initiatives related to lean management and maturing the DRIVE+ Management System. The position will provide leadership to assist operating and maintenance leaders in identification, prioritization and implementation of projects, routines and system elements that improve key business indicators. They will provide expertise and support in monitoring, facilitating, leading and training all team members to work effectively within the system, including but not limited to methods such as 5S, TPM, standardization, workflow analysis, value stream mapping, maintenance excellence and Six Sigma. The OpEx Engineer will track overall improvement progress and report as necessary to local up through executive management.
Your Role at a Glance
  • Develop, continuously improve and own assigned elements of the DRIVE+ Management system and ensure compliance and governance to the requirements are followed through deep training, follow-up and auditing.
  • Work within assigned area of operation to identify, prioritize and execute projects that improve their key performance indicators. Lead and/or facilitate continuous improvement efforts associated with safety, quality, operational excellence, cost and people.
  • Help units to identify key performance indicators and develop tools to improve them (flow complexity, purchasing methods, and value analysis of process). Ensure through audits that tools are appropriately and effectively used. Use deep statistical analysis to draw conclusions.
  • Work with financial teams across the business to validate project justification and success to support the business case(s).
  • Develop and maintain detailed process / value stream maps and metrics for the key manufacturing and business processes.
  • Drive daily management methods - implement improvement methods into the daily, weekly and monthly operational meeting routines (GTM, FST, SMT levels of MDI).
  • Supports other CI professionals (works as a team) in the facility to deploy the appropriate Safety, Quality, Flow, Cost, People metrics and management routines at all levels of the organization within the context of the DRIVE+ system.
  • Ensures sustainability of improvement results. Ensures the appropriate performance indicators are in place for projects and that teams have been provided with adequate knowledge to achieve and maintain those improvements (coaching).
  • Coach, mentor and develop site resources to work within and understand their personal connection to the DRIVE+ Management System.
  • Coordinate and report status of improvement and cost saving efforts/results and report to executive leadership and corporate as needed.
  • Assist leadership in the planning, development, coordination, support, and execution of strategic planning process, and take ownership of high impact (immediate and long term) improvement projects.
  • Instill a Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement culture across sites and in related areas of the organization.
  • Coordinate the content of all Lean training materials and lead the implementation of a structured training program for improvement teams. Lead the development and implementation of all levels of the hourly Skill Based Development program as it relates to Lean and Six Sigma methods. Coordinate North America Six Sigma program and act as expert/coach for project leaders. Lead Six Sigma projects as needed.
  • Support cross-site and cross-functional efforts to improve shared business processes - both transactional and operational and lead the effort to streamline processes across all sites.
  • Lead benchmarking and the exchange of knowledge and best practices in relation to lean and Six Sigma methodologies with Vallourec Group steering committees and other entities.
  • Follow all company policies, practices and regulations to include Safety and Quality.
  • Any other duties as assigned.

What Sets You Apart
We're looking for individuals who bring the right mix of experience, mindset, and motivation:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (preferred mechanical, electrical, automation). Business related degrees will be considered.
  • 5 years in Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing within an industrial setting.
  • Strong background in engineering or operations leadership with a solid understanding of process flow, waste identification, and lean manufacturing principles.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing Six Sigma or Toyota Production System (TPS) methodologies.
  • Prior roles with direct responsibilities on the shop floor at some point in career.
  • Experience in operations leadership or process engineering within the industrial sector, with a strong grasp of broader business strategy.
  • Proven ability to facilitate and motivate continuous improvement initiatives across cross-functional teams.
  • Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to manage and execute complex instructions.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects and communicate progress clearly and concisely.
  • Effective interpersonal skills with the drive to work closely with shop floor personnel and build strong communication channels.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.
  • Ability to travel locally and periodically for long-distance assignments.

What Powers Your Performance
Success in this role is driven by a strong mix of personal ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We value team members who:
  • Communicate clearly and constructively
  • Collaborate effectively and contribute to team success
  • Adapt to change with a positive, proactive mindset
  • Take accountability and show initiative in their work
  • Demonstrate reliability and pride in performance
  • Prioritize safety and act with awareness
  • Embrace feedback and use it to grow
  • Maintain high attention to detail
  • Drive continuous improvement and challenge the status quo
  • Support and develop others through shared learning

How We Support Your Success
We're committed to helping you thrive- on the job and beyond. That's why we offer a collaborative culture where your ideas drive real change, and career mobility within a stable, essential industry. To support your growth and well-being, we also provide a comprehensive and competitive benefits program, including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance & Short/Long-Term Disability
  • Profit Sharing: Up to 4%
  • 401(k): Company match 4.5% with no vesting period
  • Paid Parental Leave: For birthing and non-birthing parents, including adoptions
  • Paid Holidays: 10 days, plus 1 personal floating holiday
  • Paid Vacation Time
  • Discretionary Performance-Based Bonus Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Safety isn't negotiable, it's who we are. Every spark, every shift, and every decision is guided by a commitment that goes well beyond compliance. We don't cut corners; we set the standard. That means clear expectations, continuous training, and shared accountability at every level. Protecting our people is more than a priority, it's a promise we make to every colleague, every day.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.