Continuous Improvement and Quality Engineer

Description

Merritt Trailers, Inc. is family owned/operated and professionally managed. Merritt isn’t just a place to work, it’s a place to contribute your talents and take pride in a job well done! With almost 70 years of representing the quality standard by which all livestock semi-trailers are judged, we know how to value each and every associate, empowering them to create and innovate solutions for our customers and community.

We are looking for strong, standout candidates, with the desire and motivation to elevate themselves and our organization. If you are passionate about making a difference and being part of an exceptional team that is shaping the future, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits Package:
• 401(k) with company match
• Seven paid holidays, and one floating holiday yearly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account option
• Company paid life insurance
• Voluntary short term and long-term disability
• Vacation and sick time that begins accruing upon hire
• Access to our Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Wellness Program- we want our employee to live healthy lifestyle and provide an annual health fair screening
• Access to our Annual Safety Boot Reimbursement Program
• Access to our Bi-Annual Prescription Safety Glasses Program
• Company issued uniforms

As a Continuous Improvement and Quality Engineer at Merritt Trailers, you’ll dive headfirst into our fabrication department and multiple assembly lines, sparking real change in how we build. Armed with Lean and Six Sigma, you’ll tackle inefficiencies, rethink outdated processes, and inspire a team of two alongside you to turn challenges into victories. This isn’t just about tweaking systems, it’s about fueling a culture where every frontline worker becomes a problem-solver, and every improvement sticks. If you’re hungry to make an impact and thrive in a hands-on environment, this is your chance to shape the future of our production.

Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement Coordination 

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects focused on optimizing production line efficiency and eliminating waste.
• Oversee and manage multiple continuous improvement projects concurrently, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to drive process improvements across manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with production managers, engineering, and other key stakeholders to develop and implement process improvement strategies.
• Act as a cultural leader for process discipline and critical thinking within your assigned area, ensuring improvement efforts lead to real behavioral change.

Data Analysis & Process Optimization 

• Analyze production processes using data-driven methods to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and maintain MDI boards in all relevant work centers to provide visibility of performance to goals and identify key areas for improvement
• Conduct root cause analysis to diagnose problems and develop sustainable solutions that improve productivity and quality.
• Ensure data is translated into clear, actionable steps that frontline teams can own and execute.

Training, Coaching, and Mentoring 

• Develop and deliver foundational training programs on Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement concepts to employees at all levels.
• Coach team members on the application of process improvement tools, ensuring integration into daily operations and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide ongoing support to staff, encouraging a mindset of problem-solving and efficiency in all tasks.
• Be a hands-on leader who builds credibility by connecting with frontline team members, listening to challenges, and guiding practical solutions.

Core Value Competencies

DEDICATION 

• Drive Improvement: Relentlessly push Lean and Six Sigma to boost productivity, quality, and efficiency across production lines by spotting and fixing inefficiencies.
• Pursue Excellence: Optimize processes, cut waste, and align efforts with operational goals while keeping safety and compliance front and center.

COLLABORATION 

• Team Up: Partner with production, engineering, and quality crews to streamline processes, slash costs, and uphold standards.
• Empower Others: Mentor teams in problem-solving and Lean tools, leading cross-department projects that unite everyone toward excellence.

RESPECT 

• Lead with Respect: Build trust and accountability by valuing every voice and fostering open, clear communication on improvement efforts.
• Embrace Diversity: Tap into varied perspectives to spark innovative, practical solutions to process challenges.

FORWARD-LOOKING 

• Innovate Boldly: Pilot fresh tools and methods to modernize manufacturing and cut waste, staying ahead of industry trends.
• Leverage Data: Use analytics to spot trends, guide decisions, and supercharge production flow with smart, forward-thinking fixes.

INTEGRITY 

• Keep It Real: Deliver honest, ethical process assessments and solutions that never compromise safety or quality standards.
• Stay Transparent: Lead with fairness, keeping teams informed and aligned on improvement projects with accountability at every step.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Production or Chemical Engineering.
• Nice to Haves: Experience with Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control, MS Excel and AutoCAD
• Must-Haves: A passion for making things better, the grit to work independently, and the knack for rallying a team around bold ideas.
• You thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on setting, bridging the gap between shop floor realities and big-picture goals with killer communication skills.
• Experience? We’re more excited about your drive to transform outdated processes than a long resume—bring your energy, and we’ll help you grow into the role.

Salary : $70 - $80