Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Company: A. Daigger
Location: Vernon Hills
Posted on: May 26, 2023

Job Description:

About our family of companies:
On a mission to bring learning to life, Learning Resources -, Educational Insights and hand2mind are the trio of brands that are trusted by teachers and loved by families. Voted among the Chicago Tribune's Top Workplaces in 2020 and 2021, we are a 300-person strong, family-owned organization dedicated to helping kids succeed in school and develop a love of learning. In addition to high-quality, hands-on products like VersaTiles - and Cuisenaire - Rods, we make Toy of the Year winners Tumble Trax -, Botley - the Coding Robot, and Coding Critters--- as well as Kanoodle -, GeoSafari - Jr., and Circuit Explorer---. We pride ourselves on having a thriving culture and a diverse, creative atmosphere. Come join our award-winning team today!
Position Description:
The Sr Continuous Improvement Engineer is a highly visible and cross functional role within the organization that will contribute to our dynamic and fast-moving manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for evaluating our current operational processes and developing implementation plans for improvements to increase overall quality and efficiency. Key tenants of this role will be fostering a culture of continuous improvement, improving work standards using lean methodology, and innovation. The Sr Continuous Improvement Engineer must also have the ability to lead a change process towards a data-driven manufacturing process, establish effective manufacturing and material handling standards, and identify proper safety requirements and ergonomic cell design. This position is best suited for someone who is individually driven, wants to institute change at a fast rate, and is excited about challenging the norm.
Scope of Responsibilities:

• Lead lean efforts to implement process improvements that address quality, safety, efficiency, reduced labor and lower operational costs.
• Design and help institute framework for creating a continuous improvement organization. Lead Kaizen events, map and document processes, perform time studies, and implement standard work practices.
• Train and coach operations team on lean methodologies, value stream mapping, and 5S and work with the teams on implementation within the organization.
• Innovate by leveraging both new and current technologies to optimize labor distribution in a cost effective manner throughout our operations. Key measurements will include increased shipping capacities, reduced inventory levels, and accurate operational schedules.
• Create detailed engineering drawings of material handling spaces and proactively suggest layout improvements for increased efficiency.
• Utilize internal data architecture to help justify projects, measure successes, and identify biggest impact projects. Prepare data driven ROI analysis on proposed improvements and changes.
• Work with warehouse and business leadership to understand business needs and integrate with warehouse procedures.
• Extensive experience leading manufacturing and/or material handling operations projects.
• Identify proper safety requirements and ergonomic cell design.
• Support launch of new processes, develop and document process steps and controls, specify and design new capital as needed. Requirements/Preferences:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, or Supply Chain
  • Lean/Six Sigma qualifications required
  • CAD and/or simulation software exposure desired
  • At least 5 years' of manufacturing experience
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills at all levels of the organization
  • Proficient with analytic software tools and techniques.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite with advanced skill in MS Excel Ideal attributes:
    • Strong Analytic Skills
    • Results oriented, self-confident with strong initiative
    • Able to work autonomously. Displays a strong sense of urgency and excellent time management.
    • Proven organization skills with high level attention to detail.
    • Communicates effectively.
    • Flexible and adaptable.
    • Curious and desire to challenge the norm
    • Individually driven and entrepreneurial
    • Collaborates and work well with other team members.
    • Adaptable to changing environments
    • Demonstrates accountability and holds others accountable. Physical Demands:
      • Standing - up to 50%
      • Sitting - up to 50%
      • Computer usage - 70%
      • Ability to travel as needed - less than 5%
      • Ability to lift up to 50lbs unassisted
        We are a drug-free workplace and an EEO employer.
        Please note: This role will be filled by our internal recruitment team, so no assistance is needed from any outside staffing agency at this time
        #LI-Onsite

Keywords: A. Daigger, Arlington Heights , Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer, Engineering , Vernon Hills, Illinois