Operational Excellence Engineer

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.Operational Excellence EngineerWorking at AbbottAt Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contributionTuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.The Opportunity Our location in San Diego, CA currently has an opportunity for an Operational Excellence Engineer. This Operational Excellence Engineer role is within our CMI business unit.  This role plays a critical role in driving continuous improvement across the San Diego site. This hands-on position supports and leads initiatives aligned with the Operational Excellence roadmap, including digital transformation, cost reduction, and sustainability. The engineer will work independently and collaboratively across all departments, leading projects and Kaizen events, mentoring Yellow Belt candidates, and embedding Lean principles into daily operationsWhat You’ll Work OnActively support the OpEx roadmap strategy in the plantLead and execute process improvement projects using Lean and Six Sigma methodologiesDeliver Yellow Belt training and mentor candidates through improvement projectsFacilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional workshops to drive rapid improvementsPromote visual management and data-driven decision-making across the plantIdentify and implement lean tools such as standard work, 5S, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, line balancing, and time studies to optimize process flow and eliminate wasteCollaborate with stakeholders across departments to identify improvement opportunities and drive changeSupport cross-functional projects by assisting with equipment and process validations, demonstrating flexibility and the ability to adapt to evolving business needsMonitor, analyze, and report critical OpEx metrics using tools like Power BIAssist the organization in the knowledge and understanding of metrics and measurements, which impact the total performance of the plantAct as a change agent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational disciplineSupport cost improvement initiatives through lean tools and structured problem-solvingEnsure compliance with quality and regulatory standards in all improvement activitiesBuild strong internal relationships and communicate effectively across all levels of the organizationOther duties as assigned to support evolving business needsUnderstands and is aware of the quality consequences which may occur from the improper performance of their specific job; has awareness of device defects that may occur in their area of responsibility, including product design, verification and validation, manufacturing and testing activitiesResponsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal/external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company’s policies and practices; build productive internal/external working relationshipsCarries out duties in compliance with established business policiesOther duties as assigned, according to the changing needs of the businessRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations or Science3-5 years of professional work experienceLean Six Sigma Green Belt certification (Black Belt preferred)Experience leading cross-functional improvement projectsPreferred: Experience in the medical device, diagnostics, or healthcare industry, with familiarity in regulated environments (e.g., FDA, ISO 13485)Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certificationStrong presentation and project management skillsProficiency in Power BI and data visualization toolsExperience with fixture design and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke)Familiarity with MES or ERP systemsCOMPETENCIES:Strong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to lead and influence cross-functional teamsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsChange management and stakeholder engagement capabilitiesNegotiation and conflict resolution skillsProactive, self-directed, and highly organizedComfortable working independently and collaborativelyApply NowLearn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:  Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your futureThe base pay for this position is $79,500.00 – $138,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

Created: 2025-09-14