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.

What You'll Bring

Why Join Us?

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.