Continuous Improvement Engineer

Continuous Improvement Engineer Department: Operations Reports To: General Manager Position Summary The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for supporting operational excellence initiatives across our aluminum sand casting foundry. This entry-level role will work closely with production, quality, maintenance, and leadership teams to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. This position is ideal for a hands-on, analytical problem solver who is eager to learn manufacturing processes, Lean principles, and continuous improvement methodologies while making a measurable impact on plant performance. Key Responsibilities Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the foundry. Analyze production, quality, and downtime data to identify improvement opportunities. Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving activities to reduce scrap, rework, and process variation. Assist with Kaizen events, 5S activities, standard work development, and process improvement projects. Track and report key performance indicators including safety, quality, productivity, downtime, and on-time delivery. Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to implement sustainable improvements. Develop process documentation, work instructions, and visual management tools. Participate in shop floor observations and process audits to identify waste and inefficiencies. Support employee engagement initiatives that encourage continuous improvement and operational excellence. Maintain compliance with all safety, environmental, and company policies. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Operations Management, or a related field. 2-5 years of engineering, manufacturing, internship, or co-op experience. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment. Preferred Exposure to Lean Manufacturing concepts such as 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, or Value Stream Mapping. Experience using Power BI, Minitab, or similar analytical tools. Knowledge of foundry, casting, metal manufacturing, or industrial production processes. Core Competencies Continuous Improvement Mindset Data-Driven Decision Making Root Cause Problem Solving Initiative and Accountability Collaboration and Relationship Building Organizational Skills Effective Communication Adaptability and Learning Agility