Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Dover Corporation•Chester, VA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Dover Food Retail (DFR) is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer to drive measurable and sustainable improvements across all operations and support functions. This role involves co-owning strategy and tactical development, executing site initiatives, and coaching lean capabilities. The engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and revising manufacturing processes, equipment, and procedures for optimization. Key expectations include assessing, scoping, planning, executing, and delivering industrial process improvements in alignment with SQDIP metrics, ensuring process sustainability. The candidate will foster a business environment that embraces Kaizen/Continuous Improvement (CI) and structured problem-solving as crucial for company growth. This position is part of operations and reports directly to the factory CI Leader.

Requirements

Four (4) year degrees are required; a degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering discipline is required
3-7 years of Continuous Improvement experience
2+ years Project Management experience

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Lean / Six Sigma principles
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD). AutoCAD skills required
Proven hands-on understanding and experience in use and coaching of TPS/Lean Fundamentals (5S, SW, PSP, Kaizen, DM, VSM, TPI, Poka-Yoke, etc...)
Cross functional experience in Operations / Material Flow / Supply Chain Mgmt. / Customer Support / Accounting / Product Development
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of ergonomic principles and safety standards in manufacturing
Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)

Responsibilities

Deploy SQDIP (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, Productivity) visual management boards and standard management routines across all organizational levels, aligning with the 0DOVER Operational Excellence framework.
Champion the 0Dover OPEX Model, embedding Lean principles into daily operations.
Coach and build capabilities across all levels on the 0DOVER model and standards.
Conduct regular OPEX audits to ensure compliance with 0Dover model.
Provide assistance in developing certification plans depending on required level and connect OpCos with corporate trainers.
Lead and facilitate high impact Kaizen and rapid improvement events, value stream mapping, and structured problem solving with cross-functional teams.
Ensure both manufacturing and logistics processes are optimally integrated: workstation design, part presentation, routings, tools, standard work, work instructions, visual management, Single minute exchange die (SMED), Plan for Each Part (PEFP), etc.
Analyze production processes, schedules, methods, etc., and provide management with reports to enable better understanding of future requirements needed for improving and optimizing the manufacturing process.
Develop SW (including production plans, takt planning, PFMEAs and Control Plans), workstation design, BOM routings & labor costs development, project management & vendor integration for new line equipment/process design implementation, and technology/systems integration.
Review and calculate labor, material, and other production costs along with reviewing schedules and future production requirements to assist management in decision making.
Analyze and plan workflow, equipment placement and space requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency and part flow.
Focus on one-piece-flow and JIT principles.
Apply improvement tools and develop the scope for assembly line design and implementations, fixtures, poka-yokes, tool making and supplier management under the scope of manufacturing process design across many facilities.
Build and maintain KPI dashboards and reports (Power BI or similar); use data to prioritize projects and demonstrate ROI.
Work with OT teams (MEs, tooling engineers, controls engineers, etc.).