Now Hiring: Continuous Improvement Specialist
Our Continuous Improvement Specialist will support manufacturing excellence initiatives within an aluminum extrusion and coatings operation. They will focus on improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. This role partners closely with multiple internal departments to eliminate waste, reduce scrap and rework, improve equipment effectiveness, and standardize best practices using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma across extrusion, anodizing, coating, and finishing operations.
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Reduce scrap, rework, downtime, and process variation while improving yield, material flow, and changeover performance.
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Analyze performance metrics using KPIs such as OEE, scrap, rework, on-time delivery, and safety; develop dashboards and reports for leadership.
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Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and EH&S to resolve process issues, support CAPA, and ensure stable production.
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Support new product and process introductions by ensuring capable, repeatable, and compliant manufacturing processes.
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Train and coach employees on Lean principles, facilitate kaizen events, promote a safety-first culture, and sustain improvements through standardization and audits.
Required Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
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5+ years of experience in continuous improvement or manufacturing operations
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Experience in metal manufacturing, aluminum extrusion, or industrial coatings preferred
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Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing and root cause analysis tools
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Strong analytical, facilitation, and communication skills
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and basic data analysis tools
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Public speaking skills required along with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities.
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Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office.
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Ability to perform math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt a plus)
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10 years of experience
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Experience with aluminum extrusion presses, anodizing lines, powder coating, or finishing operations
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Familiarity with SPC, FMEA, PFMEA, and process capability studies
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Understanding of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar quality management systems
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Experience improving equipment reliability and collaborating with maintenance teams
Why Join Us?
At Crystal Finishing Systems, we offer more than a career:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with options to fit your needs
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Company Paid Employee Life Insurance
- Additional Employee, Spouse and Child Life Insurance options
- Optional Accident, Indemnity, and Critical Illness Insurance
- Pharmacy Benefit Management
- Prescription Drug Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
- Paid Time Off
- 8 Paid Holidays per year
- Health Savings Plans (HSA, FSA and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts)
- Tuition Assistance
- Wellness Programs - including onsite Healthcare Clinics and Gyms
- Free Physical Therapy
- Apprenticeship Programs
- On-Site Cookouts and Celebrations
- And more!
Apply today and be part of a culture that never stops getting better.
THE FINE PRINT
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug screen. Crystal Finishing Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all team members and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Crystal Finishing Systems participates in E-Verify.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement or manufacturing operations
- Experience in metal manufacturing, aluminum extrusion, or industrial coatings
- Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing and root cause analysis tools
- Strong analytical, facilitation, and communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and basic data analysis tools
- Public speaking skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities
- Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office
- Ability to perform math including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (Black Belt a plus)
- 10 years of experience
- Experience with aluminum extrusion presses, anodizing lines, powder coating, or finishing operations
- Familiarity with SPC, FMEA, PFMEA, and process capability studies
- Understanding of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar quality management systems
- Experience improving equipment reliability and collaborating with maintenance teams
What We Do
Crystal Finishing Systems, Inc. is a full-service provider specializing in aluminum extrusion, fabrication, and coating services. Founded in 1993, the company offers a wide array of aluminum and plastics solutions, including architectural and industrial finishes. Their products are extensively used in the automotive, construction, industrial machinery, and consumer electronics sectors, with operational facilities located in Weston, Mosinee, and River Falls, Wisconsin.









