Continuous Improvement Engineer

Overview

Executive Recruiter specializing in Food and Beverage/Consumer Goods Manufacturing

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Reliability Engineer

Job Summary: This position plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance, efficiency, and dependability of products, systems and processes within an organization. A Continuous Improvement Reliability Engineer is a proactive problem-solver focused on optimizing the performance and lifespan of assets and processes, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

Primary Responsibilities

• Loss Elimination: Identifying and addressing production losses or high maintenance cost assets to reduce their impact.
• Risk Management: Managing risks to environmental health and safety, asset capability, quality, and production. This involves utilizing tools like FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) and RCA (Root Cause Analysis).
• Life Cycle Asset Management: Ensuring reliability and maintainability of new and modified installations throughout their lifecycle. This includes participation in design reviews, development of installation specifications and commissioning plans.
• Proactive Maintenance Strategies: Developing and implementing proactive maintenance strategies, including predictive and preventive maintenance, to minimize downtime and prevent failures.
• Data Analysis & Problem Solving: Analyzing performance data, identifying trends, and conducting root cause analyses to determine the underlying cause of problems and develop solutions.
• Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Leading or supporting continuous improvement initiatives, potentially using methodologies like Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Value Stream Mapping.
• Collaboration & Training: Collaborating with various teams (design, maintenance, production) to implement reliability principles and train staff on new procedures or systems.

Specific duties

• Analyzing equipment failure data and conducting root cause analysis.
• Develop and implement maintenance and equipment monitoring procedures.
• Identify new technologies for reliability improvement.
• Develop training programs.
• Collaboration with other departments to integrate reliability and implement quality assurance programs.
• Utilizing Lean/Six Sigma methodology, establishing metrics, and standardizing parts as part of responsibilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, technical aptitude, and understanding of engineering principles.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or reliability within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years in mechanical or electrical experience with mechanical or electrical reliability experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering is preferred (Industrial Engineering) plus plant maintenance operations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Able to collaborate and manage projects.
• Proficiency in data management, statistical analysis, and knowledge of reliability tools like FMEA and RCA.
• Familiarity with CMMS software such as SAP or Maximo.
• Continuous improvement mindset; Lead Six Sigma certification is beneficial.
• Able to work effectively in a team environment or independently, as required.
• Ability to adjust quickly to changing demands and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Candidates must successfully pass post-offer/pre-employment drug and background screen.

Job function

• Engineering and Manufacturing

Industries

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Beverage Manufacturing, and Dairy Product Manufacturing

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Location

Greater Chicago Area, Illinois