Continuous Improvement Engineer

Ingredion Incorporated • Cedar Rapids, IA

2d • $84,400 - $112,533 • Onsite

About The Position

As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the continuous improvement process, providing technical support, including process studies, problem-solving, and process optimization. You will lead the implementation, sustainability, and improvements of the Ingredion Performance System (IPS) at the unit level.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or Manufacturing engineering
• Experience in Process/Industrial Engineering
• Trained in Lean Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing Practices, and SPC.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering and unit operations relevant to the corn wet milling industry, such as basic chemistry, heat and mass balances, mechanics and physical/chemical separation and energy management.
• Strong knowledge of digital systems including OEE, integrated action tracking, and KPI reporting.

Nice To Haves

• Green Belt/Black Belt certification desired
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft tools such as PowerApps, PowerBI, and Power Automate preferred
• Experience working in and supporting lean management systems
• Green Belt certification desired but not required
• Prefer 1-3 years of continuous improvement experience
• Experience implementing OEE, electronic paperwork, or other digital process improvement solutions

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the CI/IPS management system and other CI/IPS related activities, while ensuring the sustainability of Management System tools, like routine dashboards, OEE measurement, and other routine indicators.
• Deliver Management System training that includes concepts, tools, and deliverables to achieve awareness and facilitate CI/IPS adoption and cultural change.
• Help establish a baseline of main KPI’s and support the unit leadership team during target setting according to regional, financial, and functional goals.
• Maintain an improvement plan/project portfolio (Safety, Quality, Service, Cost Reduction, etc.) through gap analysis to recommend and implement process improvements to drive unit target achievement and organizational effectiveness.
• Support diverse cost reduction, productivity enhancement, Quality and Safety/Sustainability improvement targets for the plant (PDCA, LSS, Kaizen, and other CI Tools).
• Act as a liaison between the manufacturing plant and the production technology (IT) team.
• Participate in regional and local Manufacturing Excellence and CI team meetings to identify new practices to support the plant's success.
• Evaluate new technologies and ideas and seek approval for new concepts to improve the efficiency and capability of the process, the safety of the facility, and product quality.
• Help drive implementation of the digital OEE system and reporting for the unit.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Ideation workshops, RCA studies, and other CI activities that support plant performance enhancement.
• Leverage analytical and problem-solving skills to support plant management in the identification of key success drivers and execution of improvement objectives.
• Lead/act as a change agent to achieve continuous improvement and a performance-focused culture, through collaboration with all business and functional units in the region to ensure alignment of improvement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the Plant leaders to multiply knowledge in CI methodologies and act as a change agent of the culture.
• Support employee training in the proper application of Continuous Improvement and IPS concepts.
• Coach and mentor plant teams/ individuals to ensure successful completion of IPS implementation and CI activities.
• Support preparation of skill matrix deployment as part of Management System – People.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based pay
• Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with an competitive company match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level