Continuous Improvement Engineer

Continuous Improvement Engineer – Lean Manufacturing / Kaizen / 3P

Location: Centerville, IA – On-site | Relocation Assistance Available

Pay: $70,000–$100,000+ DOE + 5% Annual Bonus

Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 8:00 AM–5:00 PM with occasional flexibility based on production/project needs

Our client is an established manufacturer specializing in custom products for the commercial food retail industry. Operating in a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment, the company is focused on transforming its operations through Lean principles, continuous improvement, and employee development. The facility offers a collaborative, high-tenure culture where this person will have the opportunity to make a visible impact on how the organization operates.

They are looking for you, an experienced Continuous Improvement Engineer, to join their team in a direct-hire role. This position will help drive measurable, sustainable improvements across manufacturing operations while coaching employees and developing Lean capabilities throughout the organization. This is a highly hands-on role for someone who enjoys facilitating change, solving problems, and working directly with cross-functional teams.

• Lead and facilitate hands-on Kaizen events with cross-functional teams
• Coach employees and leaders on Lean tools, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement principles
• Support new product introductions and production pilots through the 3P process
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve processes, and drive measurable operational improvements
• Lead multiple continuous improvement projects and initiatives simultaneously
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and other departments
• Train and coach teams on Lean fundamentals including 5S, Kaizen, Poka-Yoke, Value Stream Mapping, and other CI tools
• Help develop and strengthen the organization's overall Lean/Continuous Improvement culture
• Track results, document improvements, and help ensure changes are sustainable
• Share best practices and support continuous improvement initiatives across facilities

• 3+ years of hands-on Continuous Improvement, Lean, or Operational Excellence experience
• Proven experience personally leading and facilitating Kaizen events, not simply participating in them
• Experience supporting new product introductions, 3P processes, production pilots, or similar manufacturing initiatives
• Strong understanding of Lean principles and tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Poka-Yoke, VSM, structured problem solving, and waste reduction
• Manufacturing or industrial experience; industry-specific experience is not required
• Strong facilitation, coaching, communication, and change-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while working independently
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered
• Candidates without a degree should bring approximately 5–7+ years of relevant hands-on experience
• Strong Microsoft Office skills; experience with Excel, Power BI, or similar tracking/reporting tools is a plus

• Competitive base salary of $70K–$100K+ depending on experience
• 5% annual bonus opportunity
• Relocation assistance available – lump-sum packages are customized based on the move and may range up to approximately $20K
• Relocation payments are grossed up, allowing you to receive the intended relocation amount without absorbing the associated tax burden
• Access to a dedicated relocation consultant for moving resources, planning, and service referrals
• Potential sign-on bonus and additional compensation flexibility for highly qualified candidates
• Direct-hire opportunity with an established manufacturing organization
• Opportunity to play a major role in transforming a manufacturing operation and strengthening its Lean culture
• Collaborative, non-union facility with strong employee tenure and experienced leadership
• Minimal travel – typically around once per month to a nearby sister facility
• On-site role in Centerville, IA, with the option to live in surrounding areas such as Ottumwa and commute