Continuous Improvement Specialist

Title: Continuous Improvement Specialist 

Reports to: Continuous Improvement Manager

Department: Engineering/ CI

Salary: Based on Experience/ Education

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist will be measuring current processes and identifying opportunities to improve them. He will be implementing manufacturing performance improvement and cost reduction projects within our plant by using knowledge of fabrication processes, materials, tooling and production equipment. 

Duties to include but not limited to:

• Maintain and improve the shop floor layout and update the CAD-Model. 
• Draft and design layout of material flow, equipment and workspace to illustrate maximum efficiency and ergonomics. 
• Make Time Studies to measure and evaluate Cycle Time, Takt- and Lead Time of the product with its production processes.
• Update and maintain the system with the results of the time studies. 
• Support CI Technician with designing and building production supplies.
• Apply continuous improvement methods such as lean manufacturing to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, or cost-effectiveness. 
• Provide technical expertise or support related to manufacturing. 
• Incorporate new methods and processes to improve existing operations. 
• Train production personnel in new or existing methods. 
• Communicate manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, or other information to facilitate production processes. 
• Design, install, or troubleshoot production equipment (excl. machinery). 
• Prepare documentation for changed or new manufacturing processes and procedures. 
• Investigate or resolve operational problems such as material use variances and bottlenecks.
• Estimate costs, production times, or staffing requirements for new designs. 
• Evaluate manufactured products according to specifications and quality standards. 
• Design testing methods and test finished products or process capabilities to establish standards or validate process requirements. 
• Prepare reports summarizing information or trends of manufacturing performance.
• Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities. 
• Plan and establish sequence of operations to promote efficient utilization. 
• Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing processes, staff requirements, and production standards. 
• Develop and maintain forms and instructions for recording evaluating and reporting quality and reliability data. 
• Implement methods and procedures for disposition of discrepant material and defective or damaged parts.
• Complete purchase orders, and material, tool, and equipment lists. 
• Monitor and adjust production processes or equipment for productivity. 
• Support projects for new manufacturing equipment and related processes.
• Troubleshoot problems with equipment and devices installed by CI. 
• Getting Familiar with IATF.

Technical Skills and Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent education.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of and committed to continuous improvement principles. 
• Experience in using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methods and practices preferred.   
• Familiar with using CAD software and MS Office applications. 
• Working knowledge of flowcharts, work instructions, and control plans.
• Must be a team player and work well with others in process development, corrective action and problem solving.
• Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks with continually changing priorities.
• Successfully function in a cross functional manufacturing environment.