Winchester Interconnect · 1 day ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer
Garden Grove, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expWinchester Interconnect is committed to inspiring innovative teams and fostering a collaborative environment. The Continuous Improvement Engineer will lead Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to enhance operational excellence in the Engineered Cables Division, focusing on improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency.
3D PrintingCustomer ServiceLifestyleHardwareSoftwarePersonal Development
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead and facilitate Kaizen events, rapid improvement workshops, and value stream mapping (VSM) activities to identify and eliminate waste in processes, materials, motion, waiting, transportation, inventory, and defects
Conduct time studies, process observations, and workflow analysis to identify non-value-added activities and develop solutions to improve productivity, cycle time, and throughput
Implement Lean Manufacturing principles including 5S, visual factory management, standard work, single-piece flow, pull systems, and cellular manufacturing
Design and optimize factory layouts, workstation configurations, and material flow to reduce travel distance, minimize handling, and improve ergonomics
Develop and implement poka-yoke (mistake-proofing) devices and error-prevention systems to enhance quality and reduce defects at the source
Create visual management systems including production boards, KPI dashboards, Andon systems, and performance tracking displays
Lead Six Sigma projects using DMAIC methodology to solve complex quality, efficiency, and cost problems with measurable, sustainable results
Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) using tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, Pareto Analysis, and FMEA to identify and address systemic issues
Perform statistical analysis including hypothesis testing, regression analysis, control charts (SPC), process capability studies (Cp, Cpk), and correlation analysis
Establish baseline metrics, set improvement targets, and measure results to validate effectiveness of improvement initiatives
Use A3 problem-solving methodology to document problems, analyze root causes, develop countermeasures, and standardize solutions
Develop and execute comprehensive continuous improvement roadmap aligned with strategic business objectives including cost reduction, quality enhancement, on-time delivery improvement, and capacity expansion
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), First Pass Yield (FPY), Scrap Rate, Cycle Time, Lead Time, Inventory Turns, and Labor Productivity
Partner with leadership team to identify improvement priorities based on business impact, customer requirements, and strategic growth initiatives
Lead cross-functional improvement teams including members from Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Maintenance
Facilitate structured problem-solving sessions, brainstorming workshops, and improvement meetings to drive engagement and results
Design and deliver training programs on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools for employees at all levels
Coach and mentor team members in applying improvement methodologies to daily work, developing their problem-solving capabilities and continuous improvement mindset
Develop training materials, standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and visual aids to support knowledge transfer
Create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement where all employees are engaged in identifying and implementing improvements
Ensure all continuous improvement activities support and enhance AS9100 and ISO9001 quality management system compliance
Partner with Quality Assurance to align improvement initiatives with quality objectives, customer requirements, and regulatory standards
Support internal and external audits by documenting process improvements and maintaining evidence of continuous improvement
Manage multiple concurrent improvement projects from initiation through closure, ensuring on-time delivery within budget and scope
Develop detailed project plans including timelines, resource requirements, budget estimates, risk assessments, and success metrics
Conduct post-implementation reviews to validate results, capture lessons learned and identify opportunities for further improvement
Generate regular reports and dashboards showing continuous improvement project status, financial benefits, and key metrics trends
Calculate and report financial impact of improvement initiatives including cost savings, cost avoidance, productivity gains, and quality improvements
Benchmark industry best practices in aerospace and defense manufacturing and identify opportunities to adopt proven methodologies
Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by partnering with Engineering to ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles are applied
Comply with all company policies and procedures
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline required
3-5 years of experience in continuous improvement, process improvement, or industrial engineering roles in a manufacturing environment
Lean Six Sigma certification required: Green Belt minimum, Black Belt strongly preferred
Demonstrated hands-on experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles including 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Standard Work, Visual Management, and Pull Systems
Proven experience leading cross-functional improvement events and projects from concept through implementation and sustainment
Strong knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies including DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), root cause analysis (RCA), and statistical analysis tools
Proficiency with data analysis tools including Microsoft Excel, Minitab, or similar statistical software
Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent improvement initiatives
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to collect, analyze, and interpret complex data
Outstanding communication and presentation skills with ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the company
Proven ability to train, coach, and mentor employees on continuous improvement tools and methodologies
Self-motivated with ability to work independently and drive initiatives without direct supervision
Collaborative team player who builds trust and credibility across functional boundaries
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and adapt to changing priorities
Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) to comply with ITAR regulations
Preferred
Aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing (medical device, space) experience strongly preferred
Experience with AS9100 and ISO9001 quality management systems preferred
Familiarity with ITAR regulations and aerospace/defense manufacturing requirements a plus
Experience with ERP systems (Syspro experience a plus) and manufacturing execution systems
APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification a plus
Company
Winchester Interconnect
Design, develop and deliver the interconnect solutions that fuel customer success.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2018-10-24Acquired
Leadership Team
Rhina Valdiviezo
Human Resources Business Partner
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