Job Description:
The Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer is a key partner to the Production Leader and frontline teams, helping improve the safety, quality, reliability, and performance of an assigned production area. This role combines hands-on manufacturing support, data-driven problem solving, and continuous improvement leadership to reduce losses, strengthen operating standards, and build team capability.
Working primarily on the manufacturing floor, the CI Engineer will translate performance data into practical solutions and sustainable improvements. The role provides multi-shift ownership of process results and plays an important part in advancing Factory Mars Operating System (FMOS), Mars Supply Excellence (MSE), and Daily Management System routines across the area.
What are we looking for?- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field preferred
- 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, continuous improvement, or operational excellence
- Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or another high-speed manufacturing environment preferred
- Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving methodologies
- Experience using performance data, root cause analysis, and loss-elimination tools to improve operational results
- Familiarity with TPM, MSE, FMOS, or similar manufacturing operating systems preferred
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent practical experience is a plus
- Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to coach and collaborate across functions and organizational levels
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and spend approximately 70% of the workday on the production floor
- Ability to support a multi-shift operation and respond to changing operational priorities
- Partner with the Production Leader to improve safety, quality, reliability, cost, and operational performance within the assigned production area
- Lead Daily Area Value Stream connection point meetings and support effective Daily Direction Setting
- Analyze production and line-event data to identify performance gaps, recurring losses, and improvement opportunities
- Lead root cause analysis and develop structured action plans to eliminate losses and prevent recurrence
- Own and strengthen Daily Management Systems, including Changeover, Centerlines, Clean, Inspect and Lubricate, and Anomaly Handling
- Lead autonomous maintenance improvement teams focused on reducing downtime, improving equipment reliability, and eliminating operational losses
- Establish and maintain operating standards that improve process consistency and reduce unplanned downtime
- Coach production leaders, continuous improvement specialists, technicians, and frontline associates on problem solving and operating-system routines
- Support MSE pillar activities by providing analytics, developing standards, and building team capability
- Support commissioning, validation, and startup activities associated with capital projects and equipment improvements
- Provide guidance and development support to Continuous Improvement Specialists, including performance feedback
- Champion all Mars safety, quality, food safety, and regulatory standards within the assigned area
- Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles
- Join a purpose-driven company where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today
- Access learning and development opportunities from day one, including support through Mars University
- Receive a competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field
- 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, continuous improvement, or operational excellence
- Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or another high-speed manufacturing environment
- Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving methodologies
- Experience using performance data, root cause analysis, and loss-elimination tools to improve operational results
- Familiarity with TPM, MSE, FMOS, or similar manufacturing operating systems
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent practical experience
- Strong communication and influencing skills, including the ability to coach and collaborate across functions and organizational levels
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and spend approximately 70% of the workday on the production floor
- Ability to support a multi-shift operation and respond to changing operational priorities
Mars Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Mars and has not been reviewed or approved by Mars.
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Healthcare Strength — The benefits package is positioned as comprehensive, with broad medical coverage and additional protections like life insurance and short- and long-term disability. Mental health support is emphasized, including free mental health services and wellbeing programming under initiatives such as Mars Be Well.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is highlighted as market-leading in the U.S., with an example of 18 weeks fully paid for both parents. Additional family-related leave types such as sick time for caregiving and bereavement leave are also described as part of the overall package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings are described as strong, including 401(k) matching (with a 6% match cited) and pension plans in some cases. The broader package also references retirement savings options and contributions aligned to local market practice, supporting long-term financial security.
Mars Insights
What We Do
For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us. Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, food, and petcare products and services, we employ 133,000 dedicated Associates who are all moving in the same direction: forward. With $40 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, MILKY WAY®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, ORBIT®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, SKITTLES®, WHISKAS®, COCOAVIA®, and 5™; and take care of half of the world’s pets through our pet health services AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, Pet Partners™, and VCA™. We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the communities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive.
