Continuous Improvement Specialist II
AAON · Memphis, TN
- Level
- Specialist
- Team
- Lean / CI
- Travel
- Includes overnights
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 4+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A specialist continuous improvement role at AAON (industrial) in Memphis, TN. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at a time with or without notice.
- They ask for
- 4+ years · degree required
- Day to day
- overnight travel
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Lean / CI team at AAON
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is CI run from the plant floor or from a corporate OpEx group?
- Which metrics does leadership actually watch: OEE, scrap, cost per unit?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
About the role
Requirements
Requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related field; 4+ years of experience leading or supporting process improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or operations environment; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.
Experience in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or related manufacturing industries preferred.
responsibilities
that are required of the employee for this job. Duties,
responsibilities
and activities may change at a time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.
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Job Description
Supports site-level continuous improvement initiatives by leading projects that enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and process reliability. Partners with leadership, supervisors, and frontline employees to identify performance gaps, reduce waste, and improve workflow across the facility. Facilitates structured problem solving sessions, improvement events, and training activities to strengthen organizational capability. Develops standardized processes, evaluates performance trends, and ensures improvement activities align with safety, regulatory, and operational requirements. Contributes to a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and long term operational excellence. Primary Duties
- •Leads the planning and execution of continuous improvement initiatives that improve process performance, reduce waste, and enhance customer satisfaction.
- •Collaborates with plant leadership and operational teams to diagnose process issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- •Facilitates improvement events, workshops, and training sessions to build employee capability in problem solving and continuous improvement methods.
- •Conducts on‑site evaluations to identify non‑standard conditions and partners with teams to restore process stability.
- •Develops, maintains, and improves standardized work practices to support consistent operations.
- •Analyzes performance indicators and prepares clear, data‑driven updates for leadership to support decision‑making.
- •Benchmarks industry practices and integrates relevant improvements to strengthen long‑term operational performance.
- •Ensures that improvement activities comply with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
- •Performs other duties as assigned.
Job
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- •Strong knowledge of continuous improvement principles and methods used to identify and reduce process waste.
- •Ability to lead teams through structured problem‑solving and improvement activities.
- •Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate operational data and identify opportunities for improvement.
- •Ability to build relationships and influence employees at all levels to support improvement initiatives.
- •Strong communication skills to clearly convey concepts, goals, and progress updates.
- •Skill in developing standardized procedures and maintaining process documentation.
- •Ability to support organizational change through coaching, collaboration, and effective communication.
- •Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Essential Mental and Physical Functions
- •Ability to analyze information, make decisions, and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- •Occasional standing, walking, and movement throughout manufacturing facilities.
- •Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. during facility visits.
- •Frequent interaction with leadership, supervisors, and frontline teams.
- •Occasional travel to other facilities or vendor locations as needed.
Work Environment
- •Performs work on‑site in an office setting with routine visits to manufacturing areas.
- •Exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and industrial equipment during plant visits.
- •Use of personal protective equipment required when in designated operational areas.
- •Occasional overnight travel may be required to support improvement activities or collaboration across locations.