Continuous Improvement Specialist

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description
 

Summary

The Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for driving process optimization and operational efficiency across the organization. Leveraging Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies, this role identifies, analyzes, and leads improvement projects with measurable results. The Specialist collaborates with cross-functional teams, leads hands-on initiatives, utilizes strong data analysis skills, and develops and delivers presentations and training sessions to promote continuous improvement best practices.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead and execute Lean and/or Six Sigma projects to achieve process improvements and cost savings.
• Analyze workflows, identify inefficiencies, and recommend actionable solutions.
• Facilitate cross-functional teams and provide change management support.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and training materials to develop employee skills in continuous improvement.
• Track, report, and communicate project progress and results to stakeholders.
• Lead problem-solving activities such as Focused Improvement sessions, Kaizen events, and structured methodologies (DMAIC, SDCA/PDCA, 5-Why).
• Coordinate and facilitate site activities (e.g., 3-Tier KPI Meetings, Gemba Walks, Best Practice Training Workshops).
• Coach and mentor teams in Lean and Six Sigma best practices.
• Build trust with production floor personnel and line management.
• Use visual management tools to interpret data and display problems and progress.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Proven hands-on experience leading Lean or Six Sigma projects (Green Belt or higher preferred).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and training abilities.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
• Six Sigma training (Green Belt or higher).
• 6–12 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (including VBA), Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Visio.
• Ability to quickly learn new programs and adapt to evolving technologies.
• Project management skills.
• Willingness to occasionally travel within the Continental U.S.
• Strong initiative, drive to accomplish goals, and commitment to continuous improvement for self and organization.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills & Experience)

• Passion for world-class manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through.
• Coaching, mentoring, and group facilitation experience.
• Ability to evaluate complex trends and critical information.
• Strong teamwork orientation; prioritizes collective success.
• Demonstrates ownership and accountability for results.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Frequently required to sit, stand for extended periods, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate computers and telephones.

Clearance Level
 

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

$78,986 - $112,035

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.