Continuous Improvement Engineer

OFD Foods, LLC • Albany, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At Oregon Freeze Dry, innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s our foundation. We are a purpose-driven company with six decades of expertise in freeze-drying technology. Best known as the makers of Mountain House© meals, we are experts in advanced lyophilization solutions that can help people live healthier lives. Our headquarters in Albany, Oregon sits at the crossroads of science and nature, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that fuel bold ideas and transformative breakthroughs. We're driven by a commitment to quality, creativity, and continuous improvement, and we're always looking ahead to what's next. We’re proud of our legacy, but our future is even more exciting. If you're passionate and ready to make an impact, Oregon Freeze Dry isn't just a place to work, it's where your adventure begins.

We are looking for a Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our expanding continuous improvement team. The Continuous Improvement Engineer collaborates across departments to identify opportunities for improvement, analyze systems and processes, and implements solutions that drive change across the organization. This role influences stakeholders, defines and tracks savings, and delivers measurable operational and cost improvements.

Requirements

• Generally, a minimum of three (3) years of experience in lean manufacturing or continuous improvement and a bachelor’s degree in industrial or manufacturing engineering is required.
• Experience supporting or leading continuous improvement, process optimization, or transformation initiatives in a manufacturing or operations environment.
• Hands-on experience leveraging manufacturing systems (e.g., Redzone, FactoryTalk, Domo) to drive performance improvements and operational visibility.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Historian) to develop insights, track performance, and support decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to apply Lean/CI methodologies to solve complex business problems and deliver measurable, sustainable results.
• Solid understanding of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing operations, processes, and production environments.
• Understanding of industrial cost drivers and ability to connect improvement efforts to financial outcomes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools to support reporting and project work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects with competing timelines.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and lead initiatives in dynamic, ambiguous environments.
• Strong critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify root causes, and adjust approaches to meet business objectives.
• Ability to leverage tools, data, and cross-functional partnerships to make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build credibility with both frontline teams and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects aligned with company cost reduction and operational goals, ensuring delivery of measurable results.
• Partner with Finance & Accounting to quantify project impact, validate savings, and identify additional cost optimization opportunities.
• Analyze and interpret data to identify opportunities, inform decisions, and track the effectiveness and sustainability of improvements.
• Communicate CI priorities, project progress, and change initiatives to stakeholders, supporting effective adoption and execution.
• Challenge existing processes and assumptions to identify inefficiencies and drive meaningful operational improvements.
• Identify, scope, and lead cross-functional process improvement initiatives across Manufacturing and other departments.
• Guide teams on Lean methodologies, tools, and performance metrics to build CI capability across the organization.
• Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, and change control efforts to ensure sustainable process improvements.
• Partner with operations and leadership to design future-state processes and implement improvements at the department and site level.
• Engage regularly with manufacturing teams to identify issues, gather input, and drive practical, floor-level solutions.
• Drive accountability through development and tracking of performance metrics to ensure sustained improvement outcomes.
• Ensure regular and reliable full‑time attendance.
• Demonstrate professional behavior with internal and external business partners, reflecting positively on the company and aligning with company policies and practices.
• Embody OFD’s cultural values and align daily actions with the department and company culture.

Benefits

• Customize your healthcare coverage: including medical, dental, and vision options to fit your needs.
• Boost your savings: Choose an FSA or HSA for extra flexibility.
• Plan for your future: enroll into our 401(k) with employer match and immediate vesting.
• Peace of mind: Life and disability insurance to keep you and your loved ones protected.
• Furry friends: Pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Recharge & Refresh: Enjoy paid company holidays, PTO and sick time
• Give back: join us in making a difference with community support opportunities.
• Score savings: Unlock exclusive employee discounts and special savings on Mountain House product.
• Spread the word: Earn bonuses for referring awesome new team members.

What This Job Offers

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