Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer
AFL · Duncan, SC
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Lean / CI
- Degree
- Preferred
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level continuous improvement role at AFL (industrial) in Duncan, SC. Model, teach and implement lean and continuous improvement techniques such as: 6S, standardized work, Value Stream Mapping, continuous flow, problem solving, lead- time reduction, set-up time reduction/SMED, and process flow improvement.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value stream mapping, OEE, SMED
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Continuous Improvement roles in South Carolina: typical posted base $97k–$138k.
Median of the low and high ends of 9 live postings that list pay, out of 18 continuous improvement openings in South Carolina, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
South Carolina plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 17 other live lean / ci postings in South Carolina.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (5+ vs 2+)
Typical $97k–$138k, from 9 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 2+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Lean 72%
- ✓ Six Sigma 61%
- ✓ Value stream mapping 39%
- Green Belt 33%
- SAP 33%
- ✓ Team leadership 28%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SolidWorks, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
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 AFL
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.
This plant: AFL in Duncan
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Full description from AFLAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
Key
Responsibilities
- ◆Contribute to the creation and implementation of AFL Manufacturing Excellence system (AME) of best practices to drive Lean vision, strategy, and policies.
- ◆Model, teach and implement lean and continuous improvement techniques such as: 6S, standardized work, Value Stream Mapping, continuous flow, problem solving, lead- time reduction, set-up time reduction/SMED, and process flow improvement.
- ◆Improve Visual factory supporting the daily management system, providing real time progress information for operators and routine review and response processes.
- ◆Assist manufacturing team in identifying and eliminating the 8 wastes: Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Not Involving Employees, Transportation, Inventory, Motion, and Over-Processing.
- ◆Plan and execute successful Kaizen activities that are educational, fun and engaging which encourage others to want to improve.
- ◆Develop analytical tools and reports, determine process performance baselines, maintain process performance measurements, and statistically analyze metrics to identify areas for process.
- ◆Identify opportunities, define and financially justify projects, facilitate project teams, and manage team activities (using good project management skills).
- ◆Manage Monthly Net Productivity data collection and reporting, collaborating with Finance partners for validation.
- ◆Maintain and improve OEE systems (AFL Manufacturing Optimization).
- ◆Deploy strong capabilities in facilitation, influence, and follow up with cross functional teams.
- ◆Input and hold responsibility for lean manufacturing.
- ◆Implement and support cultural change across the organization and drive business growth.
- ◆Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in engineering (IE preferred)
- ✓Demonstrated solid performer with 5+ years of manufacturing experience, cable manufacturing a plus.
- ✓Solid grasp and practical implementation of Industrial Engineering concepts.
- ✓Lean manufacturing experience and expertise.
- ✓Six Sigma Certification not required, but preferred.
- ✓Background in people management and project management.
- ✓Experienced user of MS Outlook and Office with intermediate or high Excel and Word.
- ✓Knowledge of Minitab or other statistical software is a plus.
- ✓Knowledge of Solidworks is a plus.
- ✓Practical understanding of EHS and quality.
- ✓Membership of an industry related professional body would be advantageous.
- ✓No pending, active, or a repetitive history of disciplinary action.
- ✓Dependable with exceptional attendance.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $4B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.
What We Offer
- •Flexible time off policy
- •401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
- •Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
- •Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
- •Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!
We are seeking a Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer to join our team in Duncan, SC .
The CI Engineer will utilize expertise in lean principles and industrial engineering concepts to optimize process workflow and eliminate non-value added effort. The position drives results- oriented performance improvement initiatives using proven Lean/IE methods.
The CI Engineer identifies key opportunities and gaps in the core business systems & manufacturing processes; aligns with other key participants, and leverages improvement methods, tools and techniques to eliminate waste (including costs). This position requires a balance between strategic thinking and tactical implementation, and the ability to analyze critical performance data to drive improvement.
This role serves as a key link between site operations and the AME (AFL Manufacturing Excellence) system, ensuring improvement efforts are aligned with Operational Excellence pillars, standardized methodologies, and enterprise strategic objectives. The position combines Industrial Engineering principles, Lean methodologies, data analytics, and change management to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and workforce engagement.
Personal Qualities
- •The position requires an ability to collaborate and communicate with cross-functional leaders.
- •Safety oriented with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes (preferably cable).
- •Strong facilitation and leadership skills.
- •Ability to lead a variety of cross-functional team.
- •Strong interpersonal and communication (listening, verbal, and written) skills; comfortable presenting information in a team setting; able to interact at all levels of the organization.
- •Comfortable using math and statistical methods to analyze problems and make recommendations or decisions.
- •Solid organization and time-management skills with the ability to set and achieve daily objectives with limited supervision. Biased towards action and results in order to achieve goals.
- •Self-directed with little need for direct oversight on a continuous.
- •Potential to grow into positions of increasing responsibility based on results and capabilities.
- •Results oriented.
- •Commercially and financially aware.