Continuous Improvement Engineer - Manufacturing

Staging Dimensions•New Castle, DE

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Staging Dimensions is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to identify, develop, and implement process improvements that increase manufacturing efficiency, productivity, quality, and profitability. The role focuses on manufacturing stage decks, staging equipment, and custom-fabricated products. The engineer works closely with the Director of Operations, Shop Manager, and manufacturing personnel to assess processes, reduce waste, improve workflow, and establish consistent manufacturing practices in a fast-paced, custom manufacturing environment. The position applies continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing methods to production workflows, layouts, material handling, equipment, and processes such as cutting, fabrication, welding, assembly, finishing, and packaging. It analyzes production data and operational metrics, establishes and monitors performance indicators, documents standard procedures, investigates root causes, and implements corrective and preventive actions. The role also supports equipment and technology improvements, employee training, workplace organization, safety, and a sustained culture of continuous improvement. The employee works at one location and regularly observes operations on the production floor, with exposure to a manufacturing environment where noise may be moderate to high and personal protective equipment may be required. Nights, evenings, and weekends may be necessary. A successful applicant may be required to complete a background investigation, physical examination, and drug screening, consistent with applicable law and company policy.

Requirements

Strong understanding of continuous improvement methodologies, Lean Manufacturing principles, and process optimization.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including root-cause identification and solution implementation.
Ability to evaluate manufacturing processes and develop practical improvements to efficiency, cost, and product quality.
Knowledge of manufacturing operations, fabrication, assembly, material handling, and production workflow.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, bills of materials, and work instructions.
Strong understanding of production metrics, labor efficiency, job costing, and performance measurement.
Experience with process mapping, root cause analysis, 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and corrective action plans.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, accuracy, and quality.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, for production data analysis and reporting.
Ability to manage multiple improvement projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to collaborate with management and shop-floor employees.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and follow improvement projects through to completion.
Strong change-management skills and ability to gain employee participation and support when implementing new processes.
Minimum five years of experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, process improvement, or a related manufacturing role preferred.
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant manufacturing experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP systems, manufacturing software, and production tracking systems.
Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
Experience in fabrication, metalworking, woodworking, assembly, or custom manufacturing.
Experience in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
Experience analyzing production data, labor utilization, workflow, and manufacturing costs.
Experience with process documentation, standard operating procedures, and performance metrics.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent training.
Experience with automation, manufacturing equipment improvements, and production layout optimization.

Responsibilities

Identify, evaluate, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, reduce waste, and improve manufacturing efficiency.
Analyze manufacturing processes for stage decks, staging components, and custom-built products to identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities.
Work with the Director of Operations and Shop Manager to improve production efficiency, labor utilization, and profitability.
Evaluate manufacturing workflows, production layouts, material handling, and equipment utilization.
Apply Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, standard work, visual management, Kaizen, and waste reduction.
Identify opportunities to reduce labor hours, setup times, material waste, scrap, and rework.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process documentation.
Analyze production data, labor reports, job costing, and operational metrics; identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators for productivity, throughput, quality, labor efficiency, and on-time job completion.
Improve cutting, fabrication, welding, assembly, finishing, and packaging processes as applicable.
Improve custom-job manufacturing by standardizing repeatable processes, improving job setup, and reducing production delays.
Collaborate with engineering, purchasing, inventory control, and production personnel to improve material availability, inventory utilization, and production scheduling.
Conduct root cause analysis of manufacturing issues, quality defects, production delays, and recurring operational problems.
Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to address recurring issues and improve product quality.
Evaluate equipment, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing methods for opportunities to improve productivity, safety, and quality.
Assist with evaluating and implementing manufacturing equipment, automation, and technology.
Work with the Shop Manager to identify employee training needs related to processes, procedures, equipment, and manufacturing standards.
Monitor implemented improvements and report results, cost savings, and productivity gains to management.
Identify opportunities to improve workplace organization, ergonomics, material flow, and compliance with applicable safety requirements.
Support a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Ensure process improvements are documented, communicated, and maintained.
Work nights, evenings, and weekends when necessary.
Perform additional job duties as assigned.