Continuous Improvement Technician
About The Position
The Continuous Improvement Technician is responsible for supporting the design, deployment, and sustainment of Continuous Improvement and Lean principles across all manufacturing environments. This role partners closely with cross-functional leadership at the Gemba to identify, analyze, and solve problems using structured CI methodologies such as DMAIC and PDCA. The CI Technician conducts Gemba Walks and Layered Process Audits to ensure adherence to operational standards and to drive waste reduction, process stability, and performance improvement. This position also supports the management and maintenance of operational standards, including Job Breakdown Sheets (JBS) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring Subject Matter Expert (SME) approval and alignment with operator COPA skill requirements.
Requirements
- 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing or operations environment with exposure to Continuous Improvement, Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies.
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt certification (or equivalent experience).
- Working knowledge of Lean tools and principles, including DMAIC, PDCA, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, and standard work.
- Experience participating in or supporting process improvement initiatives and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret manufacturing data to drive problem-solving and decision-making.
- Experience creating, updating, and maintaining controlled manufacturing documentation (SOPs, JBS, work instructions, and process procedures).
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with operators, technicians, engineers, and leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to work at the Gemba and engage directly with shop-floor teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or equivalent data and documentation systems.
- Understanding of workplace safety standards and safe work practices in a manufacturing environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience conducting Gemba Walks and Layered Process Audits.
- Familiarity with FMEA, DFM, and risk-based problem-solving tools.
- Experience supporting COPA or skills-based training systems in manufacturing.
- Basic project management experience, including tracking actions, timelines, and deliverables.
- Experience working in regulated or highly documented manufacturing environments.
- TS/ISO and ITAR preferred
Responsibilities
- Execute process improvement initiatives, project management activities, and employee training to support operational excellence.
- Apply Six Sigma deployment strategies to analyze measurement data, identify root causes, and recommend sustainable solutions.
- Analyze operational Value Drivers to prioritize continuous improvement efforts.
- Capture the Voice of the Customer (VOC) and translate customer requirements into measurable process outcomes.
- Plan, pilot, and support Kaizen events and other continuous improvement activities.
- Represent Manufacturing on cross-functional teams and improvement initiatives.
- Improve efficiency through Value Stream Mapping of products and routings to identify and eliminate waste.
- Manage and maintain a robust document control system, including work instructions, Job Breakdown Sheets (JBS), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and process documentation.
- Participate in, review, and facilitate Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews.
- Establish and manage a cadence for review and updates of operator COPA skills.
- Comply with all safe work practices, including understanding injury reporting procedures, workers' compensation processes, and applicable safety standards.
- Prepare product and process performance reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data, information, and trends.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
