Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Description

The Continuous Improvement Engineer (CI Engineer) is responsible for driving measurable and sustainable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity across the EMTEK manufacturing operation. This role serves as a key enabler of EMTEK's Lean transformation, supporting the Lean Focus launch, modelline development, and ongoing Continuous Improvement (CI) roadmap.

The CI Engineer works directly with operations leadership, production teams, and crossfunctional partners to identify waste, improve process flow, standardize work, and embed Lean behaviors into daily operations. This is an individual contributor role with strong shopfloor presence and high interaction with production teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Lean Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Support EMTEK's Lean Focus launch and ongoing Lean Business System implementation.
• Participate in and support the development of model lines, including currentstate assessment, futurestate design, and implementation planning.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, rapid improvement workshops, and structured problemsolving activities aligned with site priorities.
• Apply Lean tools and methodologies including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, A3 problem solving, root cause analysis, and waste elimination.

ShopFloor Engagement & Execution

• Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor to observe processes, validate data, and understand realtime operational challenges.
• Partner with supervisors, leads, and associates to identify improvement opportunities and implement solutions.
• Support daily management routines, including tiered huddles, KPI boards, action tracking, and followup.

Performance Improvement & Metrics

• Analyze operational data to quantify improvement opportunities and validate results.
• Track and report improvement outcomes related to safety, quality, delivery, labor efficiency, and cost.
• Ensure improvements are documented, standardized, and sustained through effective standard work and visual controls.

CrossFunctional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Production Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EH&S on improvement initiatives.
• Support layout changes, process optimization, material flow improvements, and new process introductions.
• Assist with training and rollout of new standards, processes, and Lean tools.

Change Management & Capability Building

• Act as a change agent by coaching teams on Lean thinking and structured problem solving.
• Support development of internal CI capability through training, mentoring, and handson engagement.
• Reinforce a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence.