Continuous Improvement Engineer – Manufacturing Operations
Location: Petersburg, VAEmployment Type: Direct HireCompensation: 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 approach to leadership and employee engagement.
- A commitment to safety, efficiency, and long-term organizational success.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive compensation package.
- Direct-hire opportunity with long-term career growth potential.
- Opportunity to lead impactful process improvement initiatives.
- Collaborative manufacturing environment focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Exposure to large-scale improvement projects and strategic business initiatives.
If you enjoy solving complex operational challenges, coaching teams, and driving measurable improvements in a manufacturing environment, we encourage you to apply.