Cobalt KS Engineering Specialist

Job Title:                            Engineering Specialist

Department:                   Production

Reports To:                      Continuous Improvement Supervisor

FLSA Status:                Hourly

Summary:  The Engineering Specialist is responsible for identifying opportunities for process enhancements and implementing Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement initiatives across departments. This role plays a key part in fostering a culture of operational excellence, reducing waste, and improving productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze current operational processes and performance, identifying areas of improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and other problem-solving methodologies.
• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, root cause analysis (RCA), and cross-functional improvement projects.
• Develop and implement standardized work procedures, visual management tools, and process controls.
• Collaborate with department leaders and team members to drive a continuous improvement mindset across the organization.
• Collect and analyze performance data to monitor the effectiveness of implemented improvements.
• Support the development and execution of strategic initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops to build internal capabilities in Lean and other improvement methodologies.
• Report on project status, key performance indicators (KPIs), and cost savings to leadership.
• Maintain documentation of process changes and ensure compliance with company policies and industry standards.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record of leading successful improvement initiatives.
• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of Lean principles, Six Sigma tools, and process mapping.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated with strong project management capabilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, and experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.

Education and/or Experience:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field (preferred).
•  Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in a Continuous Improvement, Process Engineering, or Operational Excellence role.

Language Skills:  Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands:    Ability to spend time on the production floor or in operational areas as needed.
 May require standing, walking, or light lifting during improvement activities.

Use the drop-down boxes to select the appropriate response to each area.

Continuous/C = 67-100%, Frequent/F = 33-66%, Occasional/O = 33%, None/N

1. Sits             2 hours
2. Stands        1 hours
3. Walks        7 hours
4. Drives        0 hours

Employee Lifts and/or Carries:  type amount of weight in each area

Maximum: 20 (lbs)                  Frequently: 5 (lbs)                   Occasionally: 10 (lbs)

Employee uses Hands for repetitive activities: 

1. Simple Grasping:   Right,   Occasional                  Left, Occasional
2. Pushing/Pulling:    Right,   Occasional                  Left, Occasional
3. Fine Manipulation:            Right,   Constant                      Left, Constant

Employee uses Feet for repetitive activities: 

1. Right: None                       Left: None

Employee is required to perform these activities: 

1. Bending At Waist:             Occasional
2. Squatting:                          Occasional
3. Climbing Ladders, Stairs:  Occasional
4. Kneeling On Ground:         Occasional
5. Reaching Above Shoulder:            Occasional

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job (ie; heat/cold, dust/dampness, height; chemical; noise) PPE requirements are included. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typical office environment with work in manufacturing or field operations sometimes requiring PPE.

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