Continuous Improvement Technician

Open Opportunity:Shields Manufacturing is seeking a Continuous Improvement Technician who will take a lead role in Continuous Improvement (CI) projects and activities. The CI Technicians'' focus is on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost while demonstrating the capability to perform CI activities at a high level. The position will also rely largely on the Manufacturing and Process Improvement skill sets to complete projects that achieve year-over-year Variable Cost Productivity (VCP) reduction. A highly engaged and active participant, the CI Technician offers direct support to kaizen and other improvement project teams. The CI Technician will assist with project identification, prioritization, and execution. The ideal candidate will possess a need for action and the ability to drive significant and sustainable results.Essential Functions:Applies project management skill set to manage all projects under their scope (Plant / Department or Area) while ensuring timeline and targets (which includes savings or additional impact calculations and approvals, project documentation and 12 months tracking for sustainability) are met.Analyzes efficiency, scrap, rework, and delivery data to identify and propose high impact VCP improvement projects.Facilitates Kaizen events from initial opportunity identification and chartering to closure of all Kaizen action items with measurable and sustainable improvement results.Provides training on CI-related topics to improvement and project team members as necessary to achieve goals.Coaches and develops team members'' continuous improvement skill sets, helping to build out a team of individuals capable of facilitating Kaizen events.Leads build-out of standardized, tiered visual performance (metric) 'SQDC'' boards and team huddle (meeting) structures to drive action and daily problem solving.Assists in the implementation of Continuous Improvement program as developed by the Director of CI and the Leadership Team. Will help develop the Shields Production System.Actively drives standardization and process documentation across the entire organization.Required/Desired Education/Experience:Bachelor''s Degree in engineering, engineering technology, business or other applicable degree and experience combination - PreferredMinimum of 3 years of improvement experience in a manufacturing environment preferably in a Manufacturing or Process Improvement role.Experience with and trained in Lean methodologies, including but not limited to; 5S, SMED, VSM, Visual Management / Visual Factory, Standard Work, Mistake-Proofing, and TPM.Green Belt level certification in Lean or Lean Six Sigma from a reputable training provider.Hands on experience with machining processes, preferably with multi-axis milling and turning.Experience using ERP and MES software, preferably Infor10 ERP (Syteline) and ShopVue.Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite with strong MS Excel skills.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR, i.e. a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. ''Green Card Holder''), Political Asylee, or Refugee.Shields Manufacturing is an industry leader and Value-Add production facility specializing in CNC machining and complex mechanical/optical/laser assembly including clean-room environments. We provide excellent operational support through our Supply Chain capabilities and care about our clients at the highest levels. Our business not only provides manufacturing expertise for OEM''s with low volume/high mix needs, we also provide higher volume opportunities with our expanding cell system capability. Culture is key to us, and have therefore adopted core values based on Teamwork, with an emphasis on Collaboration, Ownership, Tenacity, Commitment, Respect, Integrity, and Trust.We offer a highly competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance, 401(k) with company match, a generous paid time off schedule and discretionary quarterly bonus program.We are an Equal Opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Created: 2025-10-04