Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Function:  

The Continuous Improvement Engineer (CI Engineer) identifies and implements strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Bradford Operations. This role involves analyzing processes and finding ways to reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve quality. The CI Engineer utilizes data-driven insights, process optimization techniques, and lean manufacturing principles to develop, implement and track improvement projects. They collaborate with all stakeholders, across all departments, to ensure the successful implementation of changes/improvements across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Change Agent:
  1. Drives change through actions and leadership
  2. Implements continuous improvement process throughout operations.
• Implementation of Continuous Improvement Initiatives:
  1. Support and lead using Lean Manufacturing Tools (Value stream mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Gemba Walks, Root Cause, etc.)
  2. Collaborate with operations teams to implement process improvements and measure their impact.
• Establishes methods, equipment and layout of all direct and indirect jobs utilizing time study.
• Utilizes time study to set production standards.
• Data Collection and Analysis:
  1. Analyze current production systems.
  2. Prepare detailed reports and dashboards that summarize findings and recommendations for improvement and standardization.
  3. Present data in a clear, concise, and actionable manner to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Create visual, written and oral instructions for production processes.
• Supports efforts to improve efficiency through automation and tooling enhancements.
• Applies statistical methods to improve efficiency and perform product and process analysis for cost reductions and quality improvement.
• Coordinates new /revised product launches in Production.   Establish goals, standards, training and the evaluation of results.  
• Coaching, Training and Collaboration:
  1. Provide tactical coaching on Lean methodology and continuous improvement techniques (Six Sigma).
  2. Educate and mentor team members on best practices in data analysis and continuous improvement.
  3. Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision making and process optimization.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or related field  
• 3-5 years working experience in a manufacturing facility or related industry.
• Experience with process mapping, optimization and implementation.
• Trained in Lean and Six Sigma Principals (Yellow, Green or Black Belt Certified)
• Effective and engaging interpersonal skills to develop teams and professional relationships, including written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor communications for different levels of the organization.
• Ability to influence other departments who can have an impact on business results.
• Strong ability to plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Must be able to effectively perform multiple, concurrent tasks with constant interruptions.  
• Strong facilitator skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Maintains a professional approach with an appreciation of confidentiality and discretion.
• Flexible approach to work.

Physical Demands/Requirements:

While performing the duties of the CI Engineer, the employee will be regularly required to walk, sit, stand, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and speak and/or listen for 8-9 hours per day.  The individual must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lbs., and occasionally lift and or move more than 40 lobs.  Must be able to sit for up to 8-9 hours per day.  Use keyboard, mouse, visually see, and look at computer monitors up to 8-9 hours per day.