Continuous Improvement Engineer

Position Summary The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for identifying and implementing improvements that increase productivity, quality, delivery performance, capacity, and cost competitiveness within printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) manufacturing operations.

This position works closely with Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Materials, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to improve processes from material kitting through final assembly and test.

The role applies Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, data analysis, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving methods to reduce waste, improve flow, increase first-pass yield, lower cost, and strengthen manufacturing performance.

Key Responsibilities Analyze production processes, workflows, labor utilization, downtime, scrap, rework, FPY, capacity, cost, and delivery performance.Identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities across SMT, through-hole, hand-placed assembly, wave solder, conformal coating, inspection, test, and final assembly operations.Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, value-stream mapping, and standard work.Improve line balancing, production flow, material presentation, workstation layout, changeover time, and labor efficiency.Conduct time-studies and develop accurate labor standards and process capacity requirements.Lead root-cause investigations using tools such as 5-Why, fishbone diagrams, Pareto analysis, and statistical analysis.Partner with Quality to reduce defects, solder-related issues, component placement errors, escapes, scrap, and rework.Improve first-pass yield, production yield, on-time delivery, schedule attainment, and overall equipment effectiveness.Support the development and maintaining of standard work instructions, visual controls, process documentation, and performance dashboards.Support PFMEA, control plans, process audits, and corrective/preventive action activities.Evaluate and implement improvements involving equipment, tooling, fixtures, automation, software, and manufacturing methods.Support new product stage gate introductions, line transfers, process validation, and engineering change implementation.Track project benefits, including labor savings, capacity gains, scrap reduction, productivity improvements, and cost avoidance.Train employees and supervisors on improved processes, standard work, Lean tools, and problem-solving methods.Promote employee involvement through structured Kaizen and improvement activities.Ensure improvements comply with applicable customer, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.Experience in electronics, PCBA, contract manufacturing, or high-mix manufacturing environments.Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.Experience with process mapping, time studies, capacity analys...