Our client is a recognized leader in metal/steel fabrication, metal forming and stamping located in the greater Milwaukee, WI area. They have experienced tremendous growth and under new ownership that is investing heavily into this multi-site manufacturing organization. They are in need of a Continuous Improvement Engineer to join their team. The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for the identification, investigation, planning, implementation and sustainment phases of the continuous improvement process. The primary area of focus will be in the improvement and optimization of manufacturing processes including but not limited to cutting, forming, joining, machining, painting and assembly processes. The Continuous Improvement Engineer will be data driven and work with cross functional teams to lead successful and sustainable continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in manufacturing processes by studying current state, developing future state, and successfully implementing the improvement solutions in the cells
• Reduce waste and drive best practices across the organization using Lean Methodologies (e.g., Standard Work, 6S, Value Stream Mapping, DMAIC Problem Solving, Kaizen, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Create detailed and user-friendly project plans using sound project management principles to effectively organize and implement continuous improvement events
• Lead and/or participate in continuous improvement projects such as kaizen events and implement changes to improve efficiency
• Use ERP systems to compile data necessary to assist and support continuous improvement project selection and implementation
• Perform time studies to support and document process improvements and provide data for other engineering and estimating initiatives
• Create and maintain documentation relevant to all continuous improvement activities so that metrics can be tracked (e.g., current state, future state, value stream maps, improvement gains as a result of continuous improvement, etc.)
• Create and maintain a sustainment audit system to ensure that gains are realized during continuous improvement activities
• Analyze work force utilization, facility layout, and operational data, such as production costs, process flow charts, and production schedules to determine efficient utilization of workers and equipment

Education:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering OR combination of education/certification and experience

Experience and/or Training:

• 3 years of manufacturing experience in lieu of degree; preferably metal fabrication, welding, forming, coatings, assembly, etc.
• Lean manufacturing training or experience, lean certification preferred (lean or 6 Sigma)
• Proficient using office software to support role (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, ERP systems)
• Experience working on or managing projects
• Value stream mapping skills
• Good organization and problem solving skills
• Prior experience performing time studies
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with production employees and all layers of the organization

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project management experience or certification
• 2D/3D CAD experience (Solidworks, AutoCad or similar)
• Six Sigma or Lean certification or Automation integration experience

Details