Process Improvement Engineer

The Process Improvement Engineer is responsible for leading and advancing Channellock’s continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations. This role develops and drives lean methodologies, enhances process capability, establishes standardized work, and supports the implementation of operational excellence throughout the organization. The engineer will lead and manage a team, ensuring accountability and alignment with business goals, while collaborating cross-functionally to improve quality, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and support long-term growth. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, manage, and hold accountable a team of process, manufacturing, or CI specialists.
• Set clear performance goals, provide coaching, and support professional development.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, problem solving, and operational discipline.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Implementation

• Drive the implementation of lean manufacturing principles across the plant, including 5S, Kaizen, SMED, value stream mapping, and standardized work.
• Facilitate improvement events and cross-functional process reviews.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, reduce cycle time, and improve throughput.

Process Engineering & Standards Development

• Perform time & motion studies to establish accurate labor standards used within the ERP system.
• Drive setup reduction initiatives through SMED and other methodologies.
• Analyze workflows and develop optimized layouts, process flows, and work instructions.
• Validate and maintain accurate process routings, standard times, and operational data.

Quality & Process Capability

• Conduct process capability studies (Cp, Cpk) on manufacturing operations to identify variation, deficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with Quality Engineering to develop corrective action plans.
• Support root cause analysis using data-driven tools such as DMAIC, 8D, Pareto, and fishbone analysis.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Gather, analyze, and interpret process data to drive decision making.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and presentations to communicate improvement progress.
• Track KPIs related to efficiency, scrap, downtime, and productivity.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams.
• Support process documentation, new product introductions, and capital equipment evaluations.
• Assist in factory layout planning and operational strategy development.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required.
• 3–5+ years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering, preferably in metalworking or industrial products.
• Experience implementing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Previous experience establishing labor standards or working with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to conduct time studies and develop standard work.
• Proficient in statistical analysis and process capability evaluation.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
• Capable of leading teams and influencing others throughout the organization.
• Comfortable working on the factory floor and engaging with operators.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to spend extended time in the manufacturing environment.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Work may require PPE use (glasses, ear protection, gloves, etc.).