Administrative-C & G - Continuous Improvement Engineer

Position: CI Engineer (Continuous Improvement Engineer)
Location: Arcola, IL
Starting Pay: $70K base salary per year DOE

The Herff Jones Cap & Gown division is looking for a Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our operations team.

As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will help establish and sustain Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma practices across our facilities. You will partner with teams to implement and improve processes, align initiatives with departmental goals, and drive measurable results while working effectively with all levels of the organization.

• Define operational requirements and lead continuous improvement initiatives that meet or exceed business objectives and customer expectations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve key performance metrics, including safety, quality, delivery, inventory and cost.
• Contribute to complex and high-impact improvement projects across the organization.
• Support the communication and execution of company policies, goals, and strategic initiatives as needed.
• Promote and support quality systems, process improvements, and safety initiatives using Lean principles.
• Develop, apply, and coach Lean tools and methodologies to drive sustainable improvements.
• Participate in reviewing Lean performance expectations and results with leadership teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean, and/or Six Sigma roles
• Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives in a mid-sized, seasonal manufacturing environment preferred
• Lean/Six Sigma certifications preferred
• Hands-on experience leading or supporting Kaizen events and improvement projects
• Working knowledge of root cause analysis tools and problem-solving methodologies
• Strong communication skills—verbal, written, and active listening—with the ability to convey consistent messages across multiple teams
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail
• Customer- and business-focused mindset with the ability to align improvement efforts to company goals and objectives
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across all departments and organizational levels
• High sense of urgency with a continuous drive to exceed expectations
• Positive, adaptable attitude in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated success managing multiple processes and initiatives simultaneously
• Moderate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with the ability to quickly learn new systems and technologies

Daily activity includes but is not limited to:

• Lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting.
• Reading, communication, math, critical thinking/reasoning
• Working at a computer for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift/move up to 50lbs.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to above moderate.

Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones’ products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas and announcements as well as motivation and recognition programs. Focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 1,400 employees and sales partners, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience throughout the lifelong journey of education for more than 100 years.

For more information about Herff Jones, please visit

Herff Jones, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and maintain affirmative action plans to recruit, retain, develop, and promote qualified individuals without unlawful consideration of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Herff Jones strives to maintain a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, where associates are treated with respect and dignity.

Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a résumé into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Herff Jones. Herff Jones will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.