Continuous Improvement Engineer
The Kinetic Group · Lonoke, AR
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Lean / CI
- Base pay
- $70k–$97k
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 17 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level continuous improvement role at The Kinetic Group (industrial) in Lonoke, AR. At The Kinetic Group, we believe the people who build great products deserve great support.
- They ask for
- 2+ years · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Black Belt, Kaizen, 5S, Value stream mapping
- Base pay
- $70k–$97k
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 The Kinetic Group
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?
- 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 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
Qualifications
(Experience, education, licenses, certifications, and specific knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position.)
- ✓B.S. in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering or related field
- ✓Basic knowledge of lean, six sigma, and theory of constraints concepts
- ✓2 years of technical/mechanical experience preferred
- ✓Ability to read and interpret drawings
- ✓Knowledge of production processes preferred
- ✓Strong problem solving skills and analytical ability
- ✓Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
- ✓Self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision
- ✓Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
- ✓Personal computer skills including Outlook, Excel, Word, Power Point. Experience with Minitab or similar software preferred
- ✓Experience using basic hand tools and power tools preferred
- ✓Experience working cross functionally with many teams to accomplish a shared goal
- ✓Six Sigma green/black belt preferred
Essential functions
(Fundamental duties necessary to achieve the objective of the position.)
- ◆Work within a team to prioritize process improvements based on greatest impact/lowest cost
- ◆Perform time studies and use statistical analysis to improve processes and provide recommendations on performance improvement
- ◆Apply Six Sigma methodology (DMAIC)
- ◆Lead the implementation of lean concepts and tools, including 5S, Standard Work, Leveling, Pull, and Visual Factory
- ◆Lead value stream and process mapping activities
- ◆Lead projects to implement new processes and improve current processes within the facility.
- ◆Assist CI specialists and engineers in completion of kaizen projects and blitzes
- ◆Share best practices with operations and other CI team members
- ◆Constant pursuit of elimination of waste in all critical processes
- ◆Must be comfortable in a high rate manufacturing environment, soliciting buy-in and participation at all levels
- ◆Other duties as assigned
Requirements
Employee will be sitting, standing, and walking. Minor lifting of objects over 50 lbs, carrying, stooping, and kneeling. Some travel and work outdoors. Manual dexterity for computer work and writing. Hearing, speaking, and vision are required (with or without correction).
Mental
Requirements
Must communicate effectively in verbal and written formats. Reading comprehension and basic math skills are a requirement. Flexibility to effectively deal with a variety of people and situations and to handle interruptions and multiple tasks simultaneously. Quick thinking and problem solving to readily assimilate information. Ability to maintain tact and highly professional manners. Initiative to effectively complete tasks with little supervision. The ability to identify and appropriately handle confidential information.
Equipment Used: Telephone, calculator, personal computer, copy machine, printer, plotter, laminator, vinyl cutter, various hand tools and power tools, including 3D printer.
Working Environment: Work is done in an office environment, with some time spent in the manufacturing plant. This exposure subjects incumbents to temperature changes, dirt, dust, noise, vibration, moving objects and mechanical parts, machine tool lubricant mists, equipment and explosive hazards. Co-worker support, guidance, and reinforcement are readily available.
Qualifications
- ✓MS Engineering and/or MBA
- ✓Hands-on experience with Six Sigma tools and techniques, and Lean manufacturing concepts
- ✓Demonstrated experience with time study methods
- ✓Demonstrated experience with SMED
- ✓Strong understanding of root cause problem solving (Six Sigma/8D/A3 etc.)
- ✓Experience with small caliber ammunition or high volume metallic parts manufacturing operations and equipment
- ✓CAD training
- ✓Experience with 3D printing
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Pay Range
$69,600.00 - $97,300.00 The actual annual salary offered to a candidate will be based on variables including experience, geographic location, education, and skills/achievements, and will be mutually agreed upon at the time of offer.
Job Description
Primary objective of position
To assist with the implementation of Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints at the Lonoke facility. To train others on these concepts and tools as well as lead improvement projects. Communicate and provide support necessary to all business functions. To act as a coach to leaders and team members.
Of the position
(Knowledge, skills and abilities currently used to perform essential functions)
Physical
Work Environment
Employee work assignments may include tasks working with and/or exposure to potentially hazardous areas, including flammables and explosives. Safety training is provided to all employees to ensure compliance with company and federal regulations.
Benefits
At The Kinetic Group, we believe the people who build great products deserve great support. That's why we offer day-one healthcare coverage, company-paid parental leave, a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 6%, career development opportunities, education assistance, and paid time away from work to help you thrive both professionally and personally.
Our Postings are not intended for distribution to or use in any jurisdiction, country or territory where such distribution or use would violate local law or would subject us to any regulations in another jurisdiction, country or territory. We reserve the right to limit our Postings in any jurisdiction, country or territory.