Continuous Improvement Engineer, Senior
About The Position
BAE Systems’ site in Aiken, South Carolina, is seeking a senior-level Continuous Improvement Engineer to help develop and sustain a lean culture using Lean tools, with a focus on world-class safety and manufacturing performance. The role carries out Continuous Improvement activities driven by business needs and company strategies and objectives. The engineer assists with end-to-end Lean and Six Sigma transformation projects, from planning through implementation and evaluation. Working with cross-functional teams, the role identifies improvement opportunities and develops strategies aligned with organizational goals. It applies project identification and prioritization methods, Visual Management Systems, KPI boards, and a “Go and See” approach to advance plant, department, and program objectives. The role analyzes and improves processes using lean methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and increase productivity. Tools include value stream mapping, Kaizen events, TPM, and 5S. As a change agent, the engineer supports stakeholders in adopting lean initiatives and helps deliver training on lean principles and tools. The position also teaches and coaches Lean leadership concepts and behaviors, including servant leadership and Lean daily management routines. The engineer helps establish and monitor KPIs, track performance, and apply project management tools to deliver projects within scope, timeline, and targets. This includes calculating and obtaining approval for savings or other impacts, documenting projects, and tracking sustainability for 12 months. The role also keeps current with industry practices, trends, and technologies, applies insights to improve processes, and develops their own and others’ Continuous Improvement capabilities and certifications.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related discipline with four years of related experience, or the overall equivalent.
- Experience with Lean and Continuous Improvement concepts, systems, methodologies, and tools.
- Lean and Six Sigma certification.
- Experience with Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering departments and activities.
- Proven project management skills.
- Innovative problem-solving experience using A3, 8D, PDCA, Six Sigma, Shainin, or similar methods, and systematic thinking.
- Highly effective written and spoken communication skills.
- Training experience in one-to-one and group settings.
- Experience presenting material and providing mentoring and coaching.
- Computer experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Minitab, Visio, or similar applications.
Nice To Haves
- Exposure to the Toyota Production System.
- Lean Transformation experience.
- Certified Kaizen Facilitator.
- Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
- Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering background.
- Experience with digital Continuous Improvement tools.
- Knowledge of sustainable manufacturing practices.
Responsibilities
- Assist with planning, implementing, and evaluating end-to-end Lean and Six Sigma transformation projects.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities and develop strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Identify and prioritize projects and support their achievement using available models, methods, and standards, including Visual Management Systems, KPI boards, and a “Go and See” approach.
- Help develop and sustain a continuous improvement culture focused on safety and manufacturing performance.
- Analyze existing processes and apply lean methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and improve productivity.
- Use value stream mapping, Kaizen events, TPM, and 5S to drive process improvements.
- Act as a change agent and guide stakeholders to build support for and implement lean initiatives.
- Support and help deliver training on lean principles, tools, and techniques.
- Teach and coach Lean leadership concepts and behaviors, servant leadership, and Lean daily management routines, including visual management.
- Help establish KPIs, monitor progress, and track performance metrics for Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Use project management tools to deliver projects within scope, timeline, and targets, including savings or impact calculations and approvals, project documentation, and 12-month sustainability tracking.
- Stay informed about Lean and Continuous Improvement best practices, trends, and technologies, and apply insights to refine processes and drive innovation.
- Continue developing Continuous Improvement capabilities and certifications and help develop others.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible regular employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week.
- Health savings accounts.
- 401(k) savings plan.
- Disability coverage.
- Life and accident insurance.
- Employee assistance program.
- Legal plan.
- Discounts on home, auto, and pet insurance.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Paid parental, military, and bereavement leave, and applicable federal and state sick leave.
- Company recognition program with monetary or non-monetary awards.
- Other incentives may be available based on position level or job specifics.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
