The Role
Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing using Lean/TPS methods. Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, standardized work, 5S, and root cause analysis to improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery. Train/coaching employees, analyze metrics, track KPIs, and partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to sustain improvements.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary:
The Continuous Improvement Engineer leads initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and
productivity across manufacturing operations. This role partners with cross functional teams to identify
improvement opportunities, implement Lean manufacturing principles, standardize processes, and drive
sustainable operational excellence. The position supports a culture of continuous improvement through
data driven problem solving, employee engagement, and hands on coaching.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Continuous Improvement Engineer leads initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and
productivity across manufacturing operations. This role partners with cross functional teams to identify
improvement opportunities, implement Lean manufacturing principles, standardize processes, and drive
sustainable operational excellence. The position supports a culture of continuous improvement through
data driven problem solving, employee engagement, and hands on coaching.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles and structured problem solving.
- Analyze manufacturing processes and performance metrics to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
- Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and process improvement activities.
- Develop and implement standardized work, visual management, 5S, and waste reduction initiatives.
- Support manufacturing teams with process optimization, layout improvements, and workflow efficiency.
- Train and coach employees on Lean tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Monitor key performance indicators and track project results to ensure sustained improvements.
- Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to implement improvement initiatives.
- Promote a culture of employee involvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, Quality, or Engineering within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, Toyota Production System, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, Root Cause Analysis.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
- Excellent communication, coaching and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
- Minimum 4 year Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred
- Minimum 5 -7 years of experience in Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Quality, or Engineering
- Ability to travel frequently between manufacturing departments, warehouses, and office areas multiple times throughout the day.
- Ability to frequently climb stairs, ladders, platforms, and access elevated work areas when evaluating equipment and production processes.
- Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to frequently bend, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive hand movements.
- Ability to frequently sit for extended periods while performing engineering analysis, preparing reports, and working with computer-based systems.
- Ability to constantly work in a shop environment that may include noise, machine operation, metal chips, oils, and varying temperatures.
- Ability to frequently work safely around moving machinery, automated equipment, forklifts, and material handling systems
- Ability to occasionally inspect equipment and processes in confined or restricted-access areas as required.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 5-7 years of experience in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, Quality, or Engineering within a manufacturing environment
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, Toyota Production System, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, Root Cause Analysis
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills
- Excellent communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
- Ability to frequently travel between manufacturing departments, warehouses, and office areas multiple times per day
- Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to 40 pounds; climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated work areas
- Ability to work safely around moving machinery, automated equipment, forklifts, and material handling systems in a shop environment
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The Company
What We Do
The L.S. Starrett Company was founded 1880 in Athol, MA, which is still the Company’s World Headquarters. Starrett has a history and reputation so rich and solid that the words “quality” and “Starrett” are virtually synonymous. The company employs about 2,000 people worldwide. Most precision tools continue to be manufactured in the Athol plant, where it is not uncommon to see devoted generations of toolmakers with 30 or more years of experience. Starrett, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of industrial, professional, and consumer products worldwide. The vast portfolio of over 5,000 products can be grouped in the categories of Precision Measuring Tools, Saws, Metrology Equipment, Precision Ground Stock, Granite, Job-site and shop tools. Starrett markets its products through distributors primarily to companies in the metalworking industry; and automotive, aviation, marine, and farm industries, as well as do-it-yourselfers and tradesmen, such as builders, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians
