Senior Specialist, Continuous Improvement
Entegris · Colorado Springs, CO
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Lean / CI
- Base pay
- $81k–$110k
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 2 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior continuous improvement role at Entegris (industrial) in Colorado Springs, CO. In this role, you will independently lead CI initiatives and influence stakeholders through data, Lean and Six Sigma methods, and structured problem-solving.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience) · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Green Belt, Kaizen, 5S
- Base pay
- $81k–$110k
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.
Your game plan for this job
Most people just hit Apply. Do these first and you show up with someone on the inside.
- 1
Find 2–3 people on the Lean / CI team at this site
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply most.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
Ask about the work, not for a referral. We write it for you.
- 3
Have a 15-minute chat
Good questions for this role:
- 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?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply, ideally with a referral
Ask if they'd refer you or introduce you to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link and tell them the day you apply.
- 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
The role
Our manufacturing site in Colorado Springs, CO is seeking a Senior Specialist, Continuous Improvement to join our team. In this role, you will independently lead CI initiatives and influence stakeholders through data, Lean and Six Sigma methods, and structured problem-solving. You will partner across injection molding, high-precision CNC machining, and manual/automated assembly operations to identify opportunities and deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC).
What you'll do
- ◆Independently lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives across injection molding, precision machining, and assembly value streams, translating performance gaps into prioritized project plans and measurable outcomes.
- ◆Plan and facilitate Kaizen events, DMAIC projects, and structured problem-solving using A3, 8D, 5-Why, fishbone, and value stream mapping techniques.
- ◆Apply Lean methods including 5S, visual management, standard work, TPM, SMED, error-proofing, and daily management to improve process stability and operational performance.
- ◆Analyze operational data and apply SPC, capability analysis, regression, and other statistical methods to identify root causes, reduce variation, and validate improvements.
- ◆Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to improve cycle time, scrap, OEE, first-pass yield, setup time, downtime, and on-time delivery.
- ◆Support improvement work involving injection molding process performance, CNC and precision machining capability, tooling, equipment, and assembly flow.
- ◆Develop project charters, timelines, control plans, KPI reviews, and layered audits to sustain gains and maintain accountability for results.
- ◆Support business-case development and ROI/payback analysis for automation, tooling, equipment upgrades, and other productivity investments.
- ◆Coach plant teams on Lean daily management, A3 thinking, and problem-solving practices; mentor junior CI practitioners by reviewing work products and sharing best practices.
- ◆Present project findings, recommendations, risks, and results to site stakeholders through clear reports, dashboards, and presentations.
- ◆Champion a safety-first approach by ensuring improvement activities consider ergonomics, risk reduction, quality, and productivity.
- ◆Support new product and process introductions by incorporating Lean principles into work-cell layout, flow, standard work, and performance measurement.
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Job Title
Senior Specialist, Continuous Improvement
What we seek
- •Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related technical field, with a minimum of 5 years of related experience; or a master's degree with 3+ years of related experience; or equivalent experience.
- •Established continuous improvement experience within a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated use of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, A3, and/or DMAIC methods.
- •Strong analytical skills and experience translating data into practical recommendations and measurable improvements; proficiency with SPC and process capability analysis strongly desired.
- •Experience facilitating cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
- •Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools such as 5S, standard work, visual management, value stream mapping, TPM, SMED, Kanban, and root-cause analysis.
- •Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
- •Experience with Minitab or equivalent statistical software, ERP/MES systems, and advanced Excel analysis; experience developing dashboards is preferred.
- •Exposure to injection molding, precision machining, mechanical assembly, or other tolerance-critical manufacturing processes is preferred.
- •Ability to communicate complex operational and analytical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
- •Strong project management, facilitation, change-management, and problem-solving skills.
WHY WORK AT ENTEGRIS?
Lead. Inspire. Innovate. Define Your Future.
Not everyone who works for a global company shares the same background, experiences and perspectives. We leverage the differences of our employees to bring new ideas to the table. Every employee throughout the company is encouraged to share input on projects and initiatives. Our decision-making process is truly a collaborative effort as we realize there are leaders at every level of the organization. We put our values at the core of how we operate as an organization — not just when it’s convenient, but in a lasting and meaningful way. We want the time and energy you spend here to have a positive impact on your life inside and outside of the office.
What we offer
Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you’re looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.
- •Compensation: $81,000- $110,000 per year range with actual pay dependent on candidate overall skills for the role
- •Annual bonus eligibility
- •Progressive paid time off policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge
- •Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match with no delayed vesting
- •Excellent health, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs
- •Education assistance to support your learning journey
- •A values-driven culture with colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence
Entegris does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need Entegris immigration sponsorship (e.g., H1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) now or in the future.