Senior OpEx Engineer - Grand Rapids, MI

Medtronic • Grand Rapids, MI

17h • $100,000 - $150,000

About The Position

We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 15 February 2026. In this impactful role as a Senior Operational Excellence Engineer, you will drive critical process improvement initiatives that enhance performance, quality, and efficiency across our manufacturing operations. Partnering closely with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Strategic Sourcing, Packaging, and other cross-functional teams, you will optimize end‑to‑end processes and support key initiatives aligned with operational excellence and continuous improvement. As a skilled practitioner in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving methodologies, you will lead improvement projects, facilitate cross‑functional working sessions, and help teams identify waste, reduce variability, and strengthen process capability. You will support the deployment of best‑practice operational strategies, mentor team members on OPEX tools, and contribute to building a culture focused on data-driven continuous improvement. You will also help develop and implement advanced manufacturing and business process improvement techniques such as Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, DMAIC, PDCA, Business Process Management, and Lean manufacturing principles. Your expertise will support validation activities, process mapping, and implementation of scalable, efficient, and compliant processes across the site.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience OR PhD with 0 years relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• 4+ years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering, Operational Excellence, or Process Improvement roles
• Experience with GDP/GMP and validation activities
• Strong process mapping and control plan development capabilities
• Ability to read, interpret, and update technical drawings
• Experience creating FMEAs and applying statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab)
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks)
• Experience with Agile MAP and SAP
• Background in supplier development and support
• Previous experience in the medical device industry and working under ISO 13485/FDA regulations
• Certifications in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt/Black Belt), or PMP

Responsibilities

• Support the development and deployment of Lean manufacturing processes, procedures, and production layouts for assembly, equipment installation, material handling, and processing operations.
• Collaborate with suppliers and facilities teams to optimize equipment and machine layouts for improved flow, efficiency, and productivity.
• Work with Product Development and Manufacturing Engineering to define sequencing of operations and ensure procedures support product performance and manufacturability.
• Assist in adapting equipment designs and manufacturing processes to align with factory capabilities and business objectives.
• Partner with Quality Engineering and suppliers to ensure inspection and test requirements are fully integrated into production control plans.
• Analyze equipment, tooling, and process performance; identify root causes; and implement corrective actions to improve quality and reliability.
• Apply manufacturability assessments and Gage R&R statistical methods to verify process capability and robustness.
• Ensure adherence to applicable regulatory and quality system requirements (21 CFR 820, ISO 13485).
• Support development of validation plans, risk assessments, process flow diagrams, and scalable manufacturing solutions.

Benefits

• Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
• We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.
• Health, Dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Life insurance, Long-term disability leave, Dependent daycare spending account, Tuition assistance/reimbursement, and Simple Steps (global well-being program).
• Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match, Short-term disability, Paid time off, Paid holidays, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), and Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level