Operational Excellence Engineer - Quality & Systems

KUKA•Denver, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operational Excellence Engineer leads process optimization, Lean/Six Sigma continuous improvement, and cross-functional workflow standardization across quality, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain operations. The role is responsible for identifying inefficiencies, driving waste reduction, and establishing robust standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance company product technology and operational performance. Typical performance indicators include meeting objectives for quality, lean manufacturing, cost reduction, process capability, schedule adherence, and yield improvement. Sustaining operational standards, driving root cause and corrective actions (RCCA), and gap analysis required to achieve key corporate management system certifications (such as ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001) across manufacturing and quality workflows represents a significant portion of this job.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline with 3-5 years of directly applicable experience.
Non-degreed candidates considered if they have formal Lean/Six Sigma training with 2 years of experience counted for one year of degreed experience (typically 6-10 years for non-degreed).
Familiarity with principles of a well-organized and controlled process improvement methodology (Lean, 5S, Kaizen).
Prior development or working knowledge of data analysis/visualization tools (Python, Minitab, Power BI, or similar)

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
3+ years leading value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone).
Knowledge of statistical software packages: Minitab, JMP, or similar
Exposure to ISO management system implementations or internal auditing (ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001)

Responsibilities

Lead business process optimization and Lean/Six Sigma improvement initiatives to drive delivery of efficient, low-waste production solutions.
Sustains the company’s product lines and manufacturing operations by assessing process failures, executing root cause analysis, and implementing standard operating improvements.
Assists in establishing baseline quality, safety, and information security management systems to prepare the company for initial certifications to ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001. Participates in internal gap analyses, authors standard operating procedures (SOPs), and tracks audit readiness milestones.
Coordinates with internal teams (Manufacturing, QA, Engineering) and external suppliers on corrective actions, implementing scalable process solutions within budget.
Develops and maintains key performance indicator (KPI) dashboards, Value Stream Maps (VSM), and process flow models to drive measurable productivity gains.
Familiar with Lean, 5S, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and standard work implementations across internal assembly operations and subcontracted manufacturing parts.
Prepares operational risk reports, project charters, and internal/external statements of work (SOW) to achieve company performance and near objectives.
Performs other duties as assigned.