Continuous Improvement Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

The Continuous Improvement Specialist position is located at the Howmet Wichita Falls facility and works in a close cross-functional team environment. 

Role Purpose:

Design, deliver and evaluate continuous-improvement training programs that empower employees to identify, analyze, and solve process-related challenges. Act as the subject-matter expert for Howmet Business Systems (HBS) and other improvement methodologies within the organization’s learning ecosystem.

Job Roles 

• Systems thinker--sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale
• Optimizer--constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully
• Anticipation--looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next
• Operational accelerator--drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions
• Organization and structure--works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals
• Influence--leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders
• Data informed--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the “why” behind actions
• Prioritized reaction--handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist

• Relationship--connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a “win together” ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard

   

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Translate complex concepts into engaging, role-specific learning modules (e-learning, instructor led, blended)
• Conduct coaching sessions
• Use interactive techniques (simulation, case studies, group exercises) to reinforce learning
• Develop assessment tools (quizzes, projects, audits) to gauge competency
• Collect feedback, analyze training outcomes, and iterate content
• Apply data-driven improvement cycles (Plan-Do-Check-Act) to the learning process itself
• Partner with Operations, Quality, and HR to identify skill gaps and align training with business objectives
• Serve as a liaison between training teams and improvement project teams
• Build and maintain a repository of best practices, templates, and success stories
• Promote a culture of learning through newsletters, communities of practice, and recognition programs

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Engineering, Business, or Education or 3-5 years of experience in continuous improvement/Manufacturing Engineering or Engineering roles with strong training component. 

• Strong analytical ability to assess training effectiveness.

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.

• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. 

• This position entails access to export-controlled items and employment offers are conditioned upon an applicant's ability to lawfully obtain access to such items.
  
  PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: 

• 10 Years of experience in a manufacturing environment (previous aerospace highly desired).

• Passionate about learning and development 

• Collaborative, adaptable, and detail orientated.