Continuous Improvement Engineer – Manufacturing Operations

Continuous Improvement Engineer – Manufacturing Operations

Location: Petersburg, VA
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: Starting at $93,000+ annually, based on experience and qualifications

Position Summary

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive operational excellence initiatives within a manufacturing environment. This position plays a critical role in supporting production leadership, operational teams, and plant management by identifying opportunities for improvement, implementing sustainable solutions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will serve as a key resource for process optimization, project implementation, employee development, and business system integration while helping the organization achieve measurable performance improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Process Improvement & Performance Analysis

• Maintain and manage project tracking systems, performance metrics, and improvement databases.
• Analyze operational data, identify performance trends, and uncover opportunities for process optimization.
• Participate in departmental goal setting and contribute to the achievement of operational objectives.
• Identify recurring process issues, production inefficiencies, and sources of variation, then develop effective corrective actions.
• Support daily improvement management activities and provide cost analysis for proposed improvement initiatives.

Training & Employee Development

• Facilitate training programs covering continuous improvement methodologies, tools, procedures, and best practices.
• Coach employees and leaders in the application of improvement systems and problem-solving techniques.
• Participate in improvement events and provide guidance to teams implementing process enhancements.
• Serve as a resource for departments seeking support with operational improvement efforts.

Project Leadership & Business System Integration

• Collaborate with operational leaders and supervisors to ensure consistent application of business system standards and improvement processes.
• Support initiatives involving process audits, standardization efforts, results management, failure analysis, 5S programs, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement activities.
• Assist with the development and execution of annual improvement plans and strategic operational initiatives.
• Prepare, review, and approve standards developed through capital projects and improvement efforts.
• Coordinate and support capital improvement (CAPEX) projects from planning through implementation.
• Design new systems, equipment modifications, and process enhancements to improve operational performance.
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of organizational support systems and escalation processes.

Safety & Operational Support

• Support safety initiatives and participate in activities that promote a safe and productive work environment.
• Work closely with production leadership to ensure improvement efforts align with operational goals and business objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Material Science, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience working with production quality systems, process standardization, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to analyze complex operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and employee development skills.
• Excellent presentation, communication, organizational, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to influence change and effectively collaborate across multiple departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of steel manufacturing processes and equipment used in heavy industrial operations.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Scrap processing
  • Melting operations
  • Casting
  • Rolling
  • Maintenance operations
  • Finishing processes
  • Shipping and warehouse operations
  • Production supervision or facilitation
  • Advanced understanding of business systems and technical process improvement methodologies.
  • Experience implementing capital projects and operational improvement initiatives.

What You'll Bring

A passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
The ability to act as a change agent and drive sustainable results.
A collaborative a