Continuous Improvement Manager

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next- generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York’s complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York’s existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively.

We’re looking to expand our team across the board.

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Manager to partner with Production leadership to drive operational transformation of our spacecraft production process. This person will assist in creation of a pragmatic lean transformation plan that is appropriate for our organization and supports our 3-year objectives. This lean transformation plan will start with creation of a current state value stream map of our spacecraft production process, define a future state value stream map, identify improvement opportunities and establish a prioritized schedule of kaizen activity to achieve these improvements.

This role will lead prework for the kaizens, participate in these kaizen events and ensure actions are closed and implemented rapidly. This person will train members of our production and supply chain teams on lean tools and help the organization develop broad and deep lean expertise. They will also be involved in planning, executing productivity, cost reduction and business process improvement projects that enable production and supply chain teams to drive improvements on safety, quality, delivery and cost KPIs.

• Support creation of a pragmatic lean transformation plan for spacecraft production
• Support creation of a pragmatic lean six sigma-based process maturity for supply chain operations
• Create a current state value stream map for the spacecraft production process in collaboration with Production leadership and team
• Develop a future state value stream map in collaboration with Production and Supply Chain leadership that supports the organization’s 3-year objectives
• Define, prioritize improvement opportunities, create calendar of kaizen or activity of multiple durations (1 day mini-events, 2-3 day focused events, formal 5 day multi-team sensei led events) with buy-in from stakeholders
• Conduct training on six sigma and or lean tools for salary staff and technicians. Ensure training is relevant, practical, simple and timely for the needs of our organization
• Plan monthly kaizen events with buy-in from stakeholders, lead prework and train others to do thorough prework, coach teams prior to and during kaizen events, conduct post event follow-up to ensure implementation of actions and recording of benefits.
• As required by key stakeholders, organize and lead productivity, cost reduction and business process improvement projects.
• Support development and maintenance of a balanced scorecard of KPIs that enable Production and Supply chain teams to improve performance on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost KPIs.
• Direct management of CI professionals including BI and targeted automation support
• Other Duties as Assigned.

• Bachelors degree in Business, Science or Engineering and/or at least 3-5 years relevant experience
• Hands on experience with leading Lean transformation preferably in a manufacturing facility
• Practitioner and teacher of Lean with expertise in Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, Cell Design, 6S, Point-of-Use, Pull Systems, Level Loading and Standard Work
• Expert in organizing, leading kaizens with experience in guiding prework preparation and post-event follow-up to ensure targeted outcomes and improvements are realized
• Experience working in resource-light organizations with a practical approach to driving change in small, rapid increments is highly preferred
• Experienced in organizing, driving productivity improvement and cost reduction projects
• Collaborative, resilient person who puts a…