Continuous Improvement Engineer

This position is responsible for supporting the CI Team in achieving business and financial goals by leading continuous improvement /cost out initiatives across the organization while developing and maintaining robust manufacturing processes in partnership with Manufacturing Engineers. This position is hands on, at the Gemba, applying lean six sigma tools and principles. Additional responsibility includes helping to execute the organization's lean transformational plan. The candidate needs to be able to think outside the box, encompassing lean and manufacturing engineering principles, day in and day out. Creates, trains and guides the optimal design and layout of cells and manufacturing flow lines considering safety/guarding, productivity, ergonomics, first pass yield, process and test capabilities, machine uptime and machine efficiency, cost of non-conformance, inventory and waste. Maintains standardize work elements (Balance charts, layouts, etc) to ensure all safety requirements are met and processes are operating with their defined specifications. Leads teams that leverage the use of Lean and/or Six Sigma tools to solve problems within manufacturing. Drives initiatives to closure and monitors/drives associated metrics. Participates in Continuous Improvement Kaizens/BPIs as appropriate to the facility. Evaluates a value stream and establishes clear visuals controls indicating process health and capture sources of variation that drive accountability in Continuous Improvement actions/process improvements. Identifies potential safety hazards and provides input into the remediation process, ensuring equipment functionality meets required specifications. Performs root cause and failure analysis for resolution of production detractors. Applies critical thinking and problem solving skills to provide specified cost, quality, and performance in a safe and efficient manner. Works on projects in conjunction with the Ops and OPEX manager for all value streams, develops project goals, budgets, and work breakdown structures. Proactively aligns cross functional resources such as production, quality, EHS, Maintenance, Engineering, and contractors/vendors to ensure that project goals are met. Develops and executes communication plans among project/program working groups, associated leadership teams, and other stakeholders. Responsible for executing sustained change management as it applies to product and processes within manufacturing operations. Utilizes change management techniques such as ADKAR to effectively drive and sustain process improvements. Seeks opportunities to eliminate waste associated with the flow of factory floor information. Active role in assessment processes within manufacturing environment. May act as a category lead or champion during an assessment process. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution is required. Two (2) years of continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing facility. Relocation assistance will be provided for candidates that reside outside a 50-mile radius of Waukesha, WI. Three (3) years of manufacturing/continuous improvement experience. Detailed knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques - i.e. value stream mapping, one piece flow, 5S, Standard work, visual controls, daily accountability, process checks, etc. Thorough understanding of problem-solving methodologies used in determining root cause and formulating corrective action(s) - i.e. thought maps, 8D, root cause analysis, Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis, control charts, Pareto charts, etc. Proficiency in various software applications - i.e. SAP, MS Office suite, and MiniTab) Knowledge of industry and customer specific quality processes (i.e., ISO9001, etc). Thorough understanding of production environments (low-volume/high mix and high volume/low mix)