Continuous Improvement Engineer

Continuous Improvement Engineer

Location: Keosauqua, IA (Onsite) - Relocation available 

Position Type: Full-Time, Direct-Hire

POSITION OVERVIEW

We 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).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS & CRITICAL SKILLS

Non-Negotiable Requirements:

1. 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.

2. 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.

WHAT MAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY EXCITING

• 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.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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