Continuous Improvement Engineer

Position Objective

The Continuous Improvement Engineer serves as a process subject matter expert (SME) for manufacturing operations and plays a key role in leading and supporting the shift toward a sustainable Lean culture. This position focuses on stabilizing processes, bringing them under control, and sustaining improvements over time through lean manufacturing, structured problem solving, data-driven analysis, collaboration, and the effective use of automation supported by ROI justification.

Key Responsibilities

Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as a process subject matter expert for assigned manufacturing  processes, understanding process flow, capability, constraints, and risks.
• Lead efforts to bring processes into statistical control and sustain gains  using standard work, control plans, SPC, and visual management.
• Recommend  and implement improvements to production processes, methods, and controls.
• Apply analytical and creative thinking to solve manufacturing problems and  improve performance.

Lean Culture & Change Leadership

• Lead, support, and facilitate the ongoing shift toward a Lean culture across  the organization.
• Act as  a coach and change agent by helping teams understand why Lean  practices are used, not just how.
• Encourage  employee engagement and ownership of continuous improvement at all levels.
• Partner  with leaders and teams to reinforce Lean behaviors, standard work, and  continuous improvement routines.
• Help  embed Lean thinking into daily management systems and decision-making.

Structured Problem Solving

• Utilize at least one structured problem-solving methodology, such as: 
  • DMAIC
  • PDCA
  • Shainin   Red X
• Define  problems clearly, identify and validate root causes, implement effective  solutions, and establish controls to sustain results.
• Support team-based problem-solving activities and knowledge sharing.

Lean Manufacturing & Kaizen

• Apply lean manufacturing principles and tools, including: 
  • 5S  and visual workplace
  • Kaizen activities and events
  • Standard  work
  • Kanban  and pull systems
  • Takt  time analysis, line balancing, and line pacing
  • Waste  identification and elimination
• Facilitate  and participate in cross-functional Kaizen events, recognizing the value of collaboration across Operations, Engineering, Quality,      Maintenance, and Supply Chain.
• Support  continuous improvement through hands-on involvement in shop-floor  activities.

Manufacturing Systems, Layout & Methods

• Plan,  design, implement, and improve manufacturing systems that support  performance, reliability, maintainability, schedule adherence, and cost  control.
• Establish  methods, equipment, and layouts for direct and indirect labor using time studies and predetermined time systems (e.g., MTM).
• Analyze  layouts, material flow, and work methods; recommend changes to improve safety, efficiency, and throughput.
• Prepare  and maintain process documentation and manufacturing layouts.

Equipment, Automation & ROI Justification

• Identify  opportunities for tooling, equipment upgrades, and industrial  automation to improve process capability, ergonomics, quality, and  labor efficiency.
• Design, develop, test, source, and implement machinery, tooling, fixtures, and equipment.
• Support  equipment procurement and implementation, including installation and  process validation.
• Develop ROI and cost-justification analyses for capital and improvement  projects, including savings estimates and payback considerations.

Data, SPC & Performance Management

• Implement and maintain Statistical Process Control (SPC) for variable and attribute data.
• Use data analysis to support cost reduction, quality improvement, and  efficiency efforts.
• Support  teams in understanding and using KPIs to monitor and improve process      performance.

New Product & Process Launch

• Coordinate maufacturing launches for new or revised products, including goal setting, training, and performance evaluation.
• Participate in concurrent engineering and design reviews to support manufacturability  and robust process design.

Communication, Training & Collaboration

• Participate in production and department meetings.
• Communicate changes and improvements through visual, written, and verbal instructions.
• Train  personnel on new processes, systems, and Lean tools as needed.
• Standardize  procedures to support consistency and sustained results.  

• 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering , Manufacture Engineering, Industrial Engineering background or equivalent experience considered.
• Experience  owning manufacturing processes and supporting process control and sustainment.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and tools.
• Familiarity with at least one structured problem-solving methodology (DMAIC,  PDCA, or Shainin Red X).
• Understanding of industrial automation and its application to manufacturing improvement.
• Experience  developing or supporting ROI and cost justification for improvement or capital projects.
• Proficiency  with Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, charts, trending, data analysis) and familiarity with PowerPoint, Visio, Word, and Outlook.
• Effective  communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally.
• Ability  to support cultural change while balancing data-driven analysis and  practical problem solving.  

AAF International is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, uniform servicemember status, age, disability or any other legally recognized protected personal characteristics.