Continuous Improvement Technician

Job Summary

The primary objective of a Continuous Improvement Technician is to increase productivity, improve quality, reduce waste, enhance safety, and drive a culture of continuous improvement by working directly with production teams where the work occurs (Gemba).

*This position will require a flexible schedule to support operations across multiple shifts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Monitor Production Processes
  • Observe daily operations on the shop floor.
  • Identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, quality issues, and safety concerns.
  • Collect real-time performance data and analyze trends.
  • Sustain and support daily manufacturing operations as the CI representative on the operations team.
• Support Continuous Improvement Initiatives
  • Be the CI representative at Tier 2 and 3 meetings and actively implement solutions based on employee suggestions to eliminate waste and improve safety, quality, and line efficiencies
  • Participate in Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other CI activities.
  • Provide hands-on support for Operations in implementation of improvements.
  • Lead, own, and drive cross-functional continuous improvement projects, as assigned, i.e. 5S, improved yield and OEE.
  • Prepare, distribute & present project status reports to project team members and management.
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
  • Investigate recurring production, quality, and downtime issues.
  • Facilitate root cause analysis teams and implement effective countermeasures.
• Standard Work and Process Optimization
  • Create, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Ensure work instructions reflect best practices.
  • Help establish and sustain standardized work methods.
• Employee Engagement
• Work closely with operators, technicians, and supervisors.
• Encourage employee involvement in improvement opportunities.
• Train team members on CI tools and methodologies.
• Visual Management and Workplace Organization
• Support 5S implementation and audits.
• Maintain visual boards, performance dashboards, and action trackers.
• Promote a culture of workplace discipline and accountability.
• Project Execution
• Assist in planning, executing, and documenting CI projects.
• Verify that improvements deliver measurable results.
• Help sustain gains through audits and follow-up activities.
• Safety and Quality Support
• Ensure improvements align with safety and quality requirements.
• Participate in safety observations and quality investigations.
• Help reduce defects, rework, and process variation.

Education & Experience:

• Associate’s degree required and >1 year of operations leadership experience (i.e. lead, supervisor, manager); or >3 years of operations leadership experience (i.e. lead, supervisor, manager).
• >3 years of experience working with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing facility.
• >1 year of experience leading improvement initiatives in operations.
• Knowledge of Lean tools (i.e. 5S, root cause analysis, A3) preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong communication, listening, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Has the ability to think creatively and proactively propose solutions with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database management software.
• Is a high-energy self-starter with a resilient, can-do attitude.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Strong coaching, facilitation and organizational skills with a demonstrated track record of successful change management.
• Prior knowledge/experience with Lean Manufacturing is preferred.