Continuous Improvement Specialist

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant•Carlsbad, NM

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Be part of the nation’s only repository for the disposal of nuclear waste known as Transuranic (TRU) waste. Salado Isolation Mining Contractors, LLC (SIMCO), managing and operating contractor of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is currently seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Continuous Improvement Specialist and join our team located in Carlsbad, New Mexico. We are looking for a dedicated Continuous Improvement Specialist (CIS) who is passionate about driving positive change and making a significant impact on our organization. The Continuous Improvement Specialist will lead, facilitate, and execute structured process improvement initiatives across the organization. Utilizing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, this role is responsible for identifying operational inefficiencies, eliminating waste, reducing process variation, and driving a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data-driven problem-solving, specifically Six Sigma principles, experience leading cross-functional teams and Kaizen events, and a passion for mentoring others in process excellence tools. If you have the required qualifications and a strong record in process improvement, we encourage you to apply and contribute to our ongoing success. CIS professionals are leaders who work to change the way people think about organizational norms, systems, and processes in pursuit of continuous improvement. They use technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills to solve complex problems. Using a variety of partnering, Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools, they facilitate and lead projects and programs that deliver measurable, sustainable results. They are effective communicators in their roles as leaders, mentors, trainers, and change agents.

Requirements

Master's degree and one (1) year of professional experience, or Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of professional experience, or Associate’s degree with seven (7) years of professional experience, or High School Diploma or Equivalency with eleven (11) years of professional experience is required.
Must be 18 years of age.
Must be authorized to work and remain in the United States without SIMCO visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Must be able to obtain a Department of Energy badge for access to the WIPP Site (even if teleworking, must still be able to comply with security requirements to obtain a badge).
Non-U.S. citizens from countries identified by the Department of Energy as posing heightened security concerns—including sensitive countries, state sponsors of terrorism, countries of risk, and other designated countries –are subject to additional security requirements that limit site access.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading "Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control" (DMAIC) process improvement projects, Kaizen events, and/or multi-site or multi-organizational meetings.
Demonstrated experience applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve quality, cycle time, cost, safety, workflow, and process performance.
Basic data analysis acumen and understanding of how to develop algorithms using logic and conditional statements; ability to learn and perform statistical data analysis and simulation modeling.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio, with the ability to learn and use relevant software programs.
Strong people skills and demonstrated effectiveness as a communicator, facilitator, team player, mentor, trainer, and change agent.
Strategic, creative, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
Project and program management skills with strong influential leadership capabilities and the ability to drive performance across areas of responsibility.
Ability to effectively interface with a diverse range of stakeholders, including laborers, craft, frontline staff, senior management, technical SMEs, internal customers, and external customers.
Ability to work independently with personal motivation; adaptable and committed to achieving objectives while navigating obstacles.
Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is recommended

Responsibilities

Lead teams by understanding interdependencies of cross-departmental ownership and involving stakeholders in the development of comprehensive solutions that address root causes rather than symptoms.
Lead and engage cross-functional teams, including department leaders, technical subject matter experts, frontline employees, laborers, and craft.
Lead, manage, facilitate, and execute medium- to large-scale continuous improvement projects from inception through completion with a high degree of autonomy.
Apply a logical and structured problem-solving approach to deliver measurable improvements in quality, cycle time, cost, operational performance, and safety.
Apply data-driven problem-solving and Six Sigma methods to identify process bottlenecks, variation, inefficiencies, and waste.
Plan, facilitate, and execute rapid-improvement Kaizen events with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, improve process flow, and establish or strengthen standardized work instructions.
Communication & Stakeholder Interaction
Change Management & Sustainability
Enterprise Impact
Subject Matter Expertise
Organizational Development, Teaching & Facilitation
Training & Mentorship
Performance Metrics & Reporting

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance: Coverage on date of hire
Surgical concierge service
EAP services including wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling and more
Modern work arrangements to include 4-day workweeks (four 10-hour days)
Relocation assistance
Shuttle commuter service from the local areas
Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
Tuition reimbursement program
On-site fitness center and other wellness support including some public gym membership reductions
Company paid short term disability
Company paid life insurance (1x annual salary)
Pension plan that provides monthly annuity after retirement and 401(k) with .50 matching up to 6%
Voluntary benefits of: Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
Long-term disability program
Health and Flexible savings accounts
Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance