Continuous Improvement Engineer

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer for our First Quality Baby Products location in Macon, GA. The primary purpose of this role is to lead and implement Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement initiatives within the First Quality Macon, GA manufacturing facility. These initiates include Standard Work, Centerlining (Run-To-Target), SMED, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and other productivity improvement efforts that ensure we are the highest quality, lowest cost producer in the market.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Works closely with the absorbent hygiene continuous improvement leader and site personnel to drive cross functional/company initiatives within the site.

• Drives efficiencies and reduces scrap through the application of continuous improvement tools.

• Assists in providing roadmap and training for the effective implementation of Lean Six Sigma tools and culture.

• Drives and owns productivity initiatives and involves plant personnel to achieve targets across all departments.

• Manages site Kaizen projects with periodic follow-up to ensure that all improvements have been completed and sustained.

• Helps prioritize site continuous improvement projects based on data analysis.

• Helps maintain the visual service measurements for each value-stream and maintain the current-state & future-state Value Stream Maps for the site.

• Leads periodic site Gemba walks while providing leadership to team members to identify & eliminate waste while providing problem solving & solution implementation assistance.

• Supports and promotes safe practices and environmental commitments in alignment with company commitments, policies, and compliance requirements. 

• Develops proposals, budgets, CERs, and ereq recommendations as needed.

• Mentors and provides training in continuous improvement techniques.

Education and experience requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.

• Minimum of five years of experience in a high-speed manufacturing environment and leading rapid continuous improvement.

• Lean/Six Sigma certification preferred.

• Value Stream Mapping training preferred.

• 5S training preferred

• Statistical process control training preferred.

Skills and competencies required include:

• Exceptional analytical problem solver and has training in SPC and DOE with demonstrated successes applying these principles.

• Proven track record of implementing new systems and procedures.

• Has strong personal computer proficiency with MS Office, statistics, design, and process control software.

• Excellent communication skills both oral and written.

• Demonstrated ability to act as a business partner.

• Data-driven, disciplined, objective and detail oriented.

• Experience with Visual Management and Value Stream Mapping.

• Experience with lean manufacturing strategies used to reduce waste.

• Experience with Error Proofing and Total Productive Maintenance.

• Experience with leading others.

The work environment is a manufacturing environment with moving and rotating parts, PIT and pedestrian traffic, and a hearing conservation program.

Physical and other requirements include:

• This role requires up to 10% travel to other FQ sites and suppliers.

• Walk/stand often during an 8-hour shift, including in areas with industrial lift traffic.

• Occasional stooping, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout shift, including in close proximity to high speed, rotating equipment.

• Occasional reaching overhead during shift.

• Frequent use of hands throughout shift.

• Frequent light and firm grasping with hands throughout shift.