Continuous Improvement Engineer
Listed on 2026-09-16
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Manufacturing / Production
Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma, Manufacturing Engineer, Quality Engineering
Continuous Improvement Engineer
Location: Keosauqua, IA (Onsite) - Relocation available
Position Type: Full-Time, Direct-Hire
POSITION OVERVIEWWe are seeking a hands-on, high-energy Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our manufacturing team in Keosauqua, IA
. Reporting directly to the Continuous Improvement Leader, you will serve as a key driver of Lean manufacturing, process optimization, and waste reduction across a 250-person facility.
This is an execution-focused leadership role
. We are looking for an experienced practitioner who can hit the ground running, facilitate dynamic Kaizen events, and integrate 3P methodology into New Product Introductions (NPI).
Kaizen Event Leadership: Plan, facilitate, and lead hands-on Kaizen events from concept to execution. Engage shop-floor operators and cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
3P & New Product Introduction (NPI): Utilize Production Preparation Process (3P) methodologies for new product launches, product redesigns, and manufacturing line layout planning.
Process Optimization: Identify operational bottlenecks, streamline workflows, reduce waste (Muda), and optimize plant floor layout and material flow.
Lean Execution & Mentorship: Apply core Lean tools (5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, Visual Management, Root Cause Analysis/A3) and train personnel across all shifts on Lean principles.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Operations, Plant Leadership, Safety/EHS, and Maintenance to ensure sustainable process changes and safety compliance.
Non-Negotiable Requirements:
Proven Kaizen Facilitation: You must have direct, hands-on experience planning, leading, and facilitating Kaizen events (not just participating). You should be able to articulate the events you've owned, the team dynamics managed, and the measurable outcomes achieved.
3P / NPI
Experience:
Practical experience applying 3P frameworks to new product introductions, line re-designs, or manufacturing process planning.
Education & Experience Options:
With a Degree: 3+ years of continuous improvement, lean, industrial, or process engineering experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Without a Degree: 5–7+ years of hands-on Lean/CI experience with a proven track record of facilitating Kaizen events and driving plant-level improvements.
Additional
Competencies:
Strong grounding in core Lean Manufacturing tools (5S, VSM, Standard Work, Root Cause Analysis).
Ability to work effectively with shop-floor teams, engineering, and plant management.
High self-motivation and the ability to drive change independently in a fast-paced setting.
Direct Ownership & Impact: Work alongside a highly experienced Continuous Improvement Leader in an environment where your initiatives make an immediate, visible impact on the plant floor.
Industry Openness: We welcome candidates from a broad range of manufacturing and heavy industrial backgrounds (appliances, consumer goods, automotive, metals, equipment, etc.).
Career Growth: Join an active CI team with long-term advancement potential as the plant continues to modernize its product lines and operations.#MFG
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