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Continuous Improvement Engineer

Ingredion · Cedar Rapids, IA

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Level
Engineer
Team
Lean / CI
Base pay
$84k–$113k
Degree
Required
Experience asked
3+ years
Certification
Black Belt required
Industry
Food & beverage
Posted
29 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level continuous improvement role at Ingredion (food & beverage) in Cedar Rapids, IA. You will be responsible for leading the continuous improvement process, providing technical support, including process studies, problem-solving, and process optimization.

They ask for
3+ years · degree required · Black Belt required
Tools it names
Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Green Belt, Kaizen, OEE
Base pay
$84k–$113k

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

It asks for 3+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone on the team first.

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. 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. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    Ask about the work, not for a referral. We write it for you.

  3. 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. 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. 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

What you will do

  • ◆Support the implementation of the CI/IPS management system and other CI/IPS related activities, while ensuring the sustainability of Management System tools, like routine dashboards, OEE measurement, and other routine indicators.
  • ◆Deliver Management System training that includes concepts, tools, and deliverables to achieve awareness and facilitate CI/IPS adoption and cultural change.
  • ◆Help establish a baseline of main KPI’s and support the unit leadership team during target setting according to regional, financial, and functional goals.
  • ◆Maintain an improvement plan/project portfolio (Safety, Quality, Service, Cost Reduction, etc.) through gap analysis to recommend and implement process improvements to drive unit target achievement and organizational effectiveness.
  • ◆Support diverse cost reduction, productivity enhancement, Quality and Safety/Sustainability improvement targets for the plant (PDCA, LSS, Kaizen, and other CI Tools).
  • ◆Act as a liaison between the manufacturing plant and the production technology (IT) team
  • ◆Participate in regional and local Manufacturing Excellence and CI team meetings to identify new practices to support the plant's success.
  • ◆Evaluate new technologies and ideas and seek approval for new concepts to improve the efficiency and capability of the process, the safety of the facility, and product quality.
  • ◆Help drive implementation of the digital OEE system and reporting for the unit.
  • ◆Facilitate Kaizen events, Ideation workshops, RCA studies, and other CI activities that support plant performance enhancement.
  • ◆Leverage analytical and problem-solving skills to support plant management in the identification of key success drivers and execution of improvement objectives.
  • ◆Lead/act as a change agent to achieve continuous improvement and a performance-focused culture, through collaboration with all business and functional units in the region to ensure alignment of improvement initiatives.
  • ◆Work collaboratively with the Plant leaders to multiply knowledge in CI methodologies and act as a change agent of the culture.
  • ◆Support employee training in the proper application of Continuous Improvement and IPS concepts.
  • ◆Coach and mentor plant teams/ individuals to ensure successful completion of IPS implementation and CI activities
  • ◆Support preparation of skill matrix deployment as part of Management System – People

requirements

  • ✓Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or Manufacturing engineering
  • ✓Experience in Process/Industrial Engineering
  • ✓Trained in Lean Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing Practices, and SPC. Green Belt/Black Belt certification desired
  • ✓Demonstrated knowledge of engineering and unit operations relevant to the corn wet milling industry, such as basic chemistry, heat and mass balances, mechanics and physical/chemical separation and energy management.
  • ✓Strong knowledge of digital systems including OEE, integrated action tracking, and KPI reporting.
  • ✓Advanced knowledge of Microsoft tools such as PowerApps, PowerBI, and Power Automate preferred

Desirable

requirements

  • ✓Experience working in and supporting lean management systems
  • ✓Green Belt certification desired but not required
  • ✓Prefer 1-3 years of continuous improvement experience
  • ✓Experience implementing OEE, electronic paperwork, or other digital process improvement solutions

Who you are

  • ✓Demonstrated self-starter with strong leadership skills and a high degree of integrity.
  • ✓Utilization of data and facts to articulate the need for change and build commitment from others.
  • ✓Organization, prioritization, and decision-making.
  • ✓Communicate effectively.
  • ✓Ethics and corporate values.
  • ✓Result-driven with urgency.
  • ✓Deliver our strategy.
  • ✓Proactive, innovative, and strong will to succeed.
  • ✓High discipline in routine execution.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

  • ✓Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
  • ✓Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
  • ✓Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
  • ✓Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
  • ✓Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel.
Show full description ↓

Continuous Improvement Engineer

LOCATION: Cedar Rapids

REPORTS TO: Continuous Improvement Manager

WORKPLACE TYPE: Onsite – Manufacturing Facility

As a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the continuous improvement process, providing technical support, including process studies, problem-solving, and process optimization

Lead the implementation, sustainability, and improvements of the Ingredion Performance System (IPS) at the unit level.

What you will bring

Mandatory

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