Continuous Improvement Engineer

LAPP Americas•Florham Park, NJ

3h•$110,000 - $115,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for driving operational excellence across all areas of the manufacturing site. This individual will work closely with the plant manager, functional leaders and frontline operators to identify and execute improvements that increase safety, quality, efficiency, capacity and cost effectiveness. Using proven Lean and Six Sigma tools, the engineer will evaluate processes, lead cross functional projects, mentor plant personnel and embed a culture of continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from a college or university, preferably with a focus on Business Management, Operations, or Engineering
3–5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment implementing continuous improvement initiatives, Lean/Six Sigma or TPM
Demonstrated success in leading cross functional teams and Kaizen events, with a track record of measurable improvements.
Deep knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools such as value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, TPM and PDCA
Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software (e.g., Excel, Minitab) and ability to develop KPIs and visual metrics.
Ability to perform root cause analysis, FMEA and problem solving techniques to address quality and process issues
Familiarity with ERP/MES systems and manufacturing software
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels—from plant management to frontline operators.
Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor and build consensus across diverse teams.
Strong organizational and project management skills; able to prioritize multiple projects, manage timelines and deliver results
Results driven mindset with a bias for action and continuous learning.
Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
Fluent in the English language both verbal and written.
Ability to effectively present information to all levels of management and staff.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts, financial ratios, and business equations. Possess strong analytical skills.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Working knowledge of MS Office and project management software.
Familiarity with operating systems experience in SAP is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) is preferred

Responsibilities

Lead plant wide projects focused on improving safety, quality, schedule adherence, cost, capacity and employee engagement.
Identify inefficiencies and recommend solutions to improve or prevent recurrence using Lean, DMAIC, FMEA, SMED, root cause analysis and Kaizen methodologies.
Develop, maintain and enhance the Continuous Improvement (CI) operating system, including the LAPP Operating System (LOS), problem solving frameworks and standard work.
Facilitate Kaizen events and 5S activities, promote waste elimination and implement value added solutions to achieve performance targets.
Conduct time studies, value stream mapping, capacity and cycle time analyses to understand bottlenecks and opportunities.
Collect and analyze data to measure the impact of improvement initiatives, determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures and visual management tools (Tier boards, KPIs and dashboards) to ensure sustainability.
Coordinate capital projects and process improvements, ensuring alignment with plant goals.
Train and mentor plant personnel—from senior leadership to frontline operators—on Lean/TPM tools, problem solving techniques, root cause analysis and leader standard work.
Act as a change agent by challenging wasteful practices and inspiring a culture of continuous improvement.
Partner with production, engineering, maintenance, quality, supply chain and other departments to identify improvement opportunities, prioritize projects and drive results.
Establish strong relationships with frontline operators to gain insight into day to day challenges and ensure buy in for changes.
Track and report the status of improvement activities, develop visual presentations and metrics dashboards, and regularly update plant management on project outcomes.