Continuous Improvement Engineer - American Fan

Fairbanks Morse Defense • Fairfield, OH

12d

About The Position

American Fan is a manufacturer of air movement equipment for Industrial, HVAC, Commercial, Marine, and specialty markets. Throughout our history, the quality and reliability of our products has been built upon a solid foundation of unrivaled application expertise and technical leadership. As a small manufacturer who is part of a well-respected international corporation, we are best known for our willingness to design and manufacture specialty air movement products for unique applications. Our sales distribution base consists of a diverse group of knowledgeable agents/representatives. Together with our in-house sales staff they deliver a very high level of customer service.
American Fan has an opportunity for a Painter, based in our Fairfield, OH facility. The primary purpose of the Continuous Improvement Engineer is to drive operational efficiency and productivity within our organization. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your knowledge of industrial engineering principles and continuous improvement methodologies in an industrial setting. You will work closely with our experienced engineers and managers to identify process improvement opportunities, optimize workflows, and implement best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of five years of work experience in manufacturing/operations, supply chain and/or logistics. Minimum of two years of experience applying continuous / process improvement methodology such as Lean, or Six Sigma.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt required; Black Belt preferred).
• Strong project management and change management skills.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Experience with process mapping, data analysis, and performance improvement tools (e.g., DMAIC, PDCA, Value Stream Mapping).
• Proficiency in tools like Power BI, or similar analytical/reporting software.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately assess key business metrics and situations from a “general manager’s” point of view, and ability to design, develop, and implement a roadmap for an operating business.
• Proven ability to consistently deliver results while influencing leaders without authority. Including but not limited to coaching leaders at different altitudes while driving change and leveraging change management best practices.
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional teams with ability to work and execute across boundaries and matrices.
• Note: This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, which is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN) data. Therefore, to meet NOFORN requirement, you will have to provide proof of US Citizenship and attest that you do not have dual citizenship. Acceptable proof of US Citizenship is a US Passport, US Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Develop and implement strategies that promote operational efficiency and excellence across all business units.
• Conduct root cause analysis and data-driven assessments to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Partner with leadership teams to establish KPIs, performance metrics, and process dashboards.
• Facilitate workshops, training, and coaching to develop Lean and Six Sigma capabilities across teams.
• Support strategic projects, including digital transformation, cost reduction, and process automation.
• Track and report on operational excellence project results and benefits realization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
• Partner with the operations site leadership to enhance functional efficiency, boost productivity, and drive business growth to achieve key organizational objectives.
• Directly provide formal and informal FMOS training and coaching, taking complex internal/external problems – breaking them down and recommending best approach to solution.
• Drive the kaizen process, including kaizen funnel development, prioritization, resourcing, activation, and execution. Ensure effective sustainment of results and support problem solving as needed to close gaps to targets.
• Promote and facilitate diagnosis of work-flow impediments and other wastes throughout the business. Provides counsel on appropriate tools to eliminate them.
• Embody the core values for Fairbanks Morse Defense of velocity, teamwork and integrity.

Benefits

• Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match. In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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