Review and analyze production processes to identify improvements; conduct time and capability studies; apply Lean methods and root-cause analysis; plan and lead CI projects with cost-benefit and KPI tracking; implement quality and preventative maintenance initiatives; collaborate across plant teams to drive efficiency and document results.
The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for reviewing and monitoring production processes to determine corrective actions within the Pontiac facility.
Responsibilities:
- Review and analyze production processes to identify opportunities for improvement and recommend corrective actions.
- Evaluate plant layout to ensure an efficient manufacturing process and implement improvements in coordination with management.
- Conduct time and capability studies on existing processes, considering tooling, equipment, personnel, material flow, and handling methods.
- Apply Lean methodologies, such as poka-yoke, to eliminate waste and enhance operational efficiency.
- Identify root causes of issues using tools like fishbone diagrams and propose corrective, preventive, and permanent solutions.
- Plan and lead continuous improvement projects, defining scope, required resources, budgets, and project timelines using Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and other visualization tools.
- Collaborate with engineers, plant leads, and key personnel to develop solutions based on study findings and industry best practices.
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis for projects, evaluating ROI and expected performance improvements pre- and post-implementation.
- Document all project phases, including KPIs, costs, cycle times, and alignment with business objectives.
- Develop and implement quality initiatives, including preventative maintenance audits and gauge repeatability and reproducibility techniques.
- Lead root-cause analysis meetings to address quality defects, using data on equipment inefficiencies, downtime, and product defects to drive solutions.
- Act as a liaison between plant leads, operators, and management to ensure effective communication and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Encourage plant personnel to contribute improvement ideas through forms and weekly discussion meetings.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering an Master’s degree preferred.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
- Ability and desire to work on-site, in-office at our Pontiac, IL location 100%.
- Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement principles.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced and changing environment.
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