Continuous Improvement Engineer

Position Summary:

The goal of this position is to demonstrate maximum efficiency within a manufacturing facility. As our manufacturing technology, automation and opportunity for optimization increase, we must transfer knowledge, network and leverage best practices within our manufacturing sites as we continue to develop a Lean Management System to run our facilities, as well as optimizing plant performance by ensuring a flawless implementation of the Operational Excellence.

• Bridge the gap between technical and operational teams, executing CI solutions that move operations beyond current state to next‑level efficiency.
• Manage the CI budget to ensure projects return maximum savings using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Drive the implementation of Operational Excellence (OPX
  360) within the facilities.
• Develop an OPX
  360 auditing strategy to ensure program growth and sustainability.
• Conduct weekly and monthly presentations to group leaders and CI leadership regarding readiness levels and capabilities.
• Drive sustainable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• Develop a Continuous Improvement Strategy, including plans, schedules, and budgets for process improvement projects.
• Ensure adherence to Lean Methodology including Kaizen, SS, Standard Work, Daily Management, Layered Audits, and Business Plan development.
• Possess knowledge in SS, SMED, TPM, VSM, PDCA, A3 problem solving.
• Ensure leadership has standard work and training to support new technologies and business process changes.
• Oversee training at all levels in the OPX
  360 methodology.
• Partner with Operating Unit CI Manager to ensure project completion on time and on budget.
• Provide CL training and ensure responsibilities are clearly defined, and lean projects are supported.
• Establish metrics to monitor financial savings against goals and targets.
• Identify ongoing lean improvement needs and coordinate required training.

• Safety:
  Demonstrates a safety-first mindset in all situations.
• Leadership:
  Motivates and retains diverse talent; strong leadership presence.
• Operations Acumen:
  Outstanding business judgment; balances risk and stability.
• Top Talent/Team Development:
  Coaches, mentors, and accelerates team development.
• Learning Agility:
  Growth mindset with willingness to learn.
• Cost Effectiveness:
  Proven experience improving productivity and reducing costs.
• Collaborative/Decisive:
  Encourages open dialogue across contributors and stakeholders.
• Critical Thinking:
  Able to integrate complex information and challenge conventional wisdom.
• Interpersonal:
  Builds strong relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Organization:
  Manages time well, handles multiple projects, and strong follow-through.
• Maturity:
  Balances risk and judgment; delegates appropriately.
• Strategy/Vision:
  Acts as a key strategic partner with plant leadership.
• Ethics:
  Demonstrates unquestionable integrity and high moral standards.

• Bachelor’s Degree (Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related Technical Discipline).
• 5+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing environment preferred. CI-dedicated experience preferred.
• 5+ years of plastics manufacturing experience. Preferred background in Extrusion and Thermoforming.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing process skills/experience.
• Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Processes, Automation, and SAP strongly preferred.
• Analytical skills and understanding of problem‑solving techniques/tools.
• Data‑driven, disciplined, objective, and detail‑oriented.
• Strong project management skills; ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills. Bilingual English/Spanish highly desired.
• Advanced computer knowledge with MS Office applications (Excel, Access, etc.) and other computer tools and software.
• Must be willing to travel to the Company’s manufacturing sites to support projects and initiatives between sites in Bedford Park, IL.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of pre‑employment background and drug screen.

• Ability to stand,…