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Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Description

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for leading process optimization, efficiency improvement, and waste-reduction initiatives across the manufacturing facility. This role drives operational excellence through Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven problem-solving techniques, ensuring stable, scalable, and cost-effective processes that support the production of specific food.

Responsibilities

+ Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and root-cause analysis methodologies.

+ Facilitate value stream mapping, 5S, Gemba walks, and waste reduction events.

+ Develop and implement standard work, visual management, and process documentation.

+ Establish KPI dashboards for OEE, yield, throughput, scrap, rework, and downtime.

+ Analyze production data to identify loss drivers and prioritize improvement projects.

+ Partner with Production to improve efficiencies in chocolate coating, bar forming, mixing, tempering, and wrapper output.

+ Develop strategies to improve line speed, reduce changeover time, and enhance batch consistency.

+ Drive reduction in material waste, including protein powder, chocolate coatings, inclusions, and film/wrapper usage.

+ Work with Maintenance to implement predictive and preventive programs that reduce equipment downtime.

+ Partner with Quality to eliminate defects, improve specification adherence, and support audit readiness.

+ Collaborate with Supply Chain to align capacity planning, scheduling, and raw material utilization.

+ Support R&D with commercialization of new products, ensuring smooth scale-up from pilot to production.

+ Train and mentor employees in Lean tools and problem-solving methodologies.

+ Promote a culture of operational discipline, continuous learning, and data-driven decision-making.

+ Champion continuous improvement practices across all shifts through coaching and collaboration.

+ Lead cross-functional improvement projects with clear timelines, deliverables, and ROI targets.

+ Manage implementation of new processes, equipment improvements, and automation enhancements.

+ Present project outcomes and savings to leadership through structured reporting.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or a related field.

+ Minimum 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Process Engineering, or Operations within a manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience in food, beverage, or confectionery

+ Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

+ Demonstrated success implementing Lean systems in a factory environment.

+ Experience with OEE measurement tools and production analytics.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Nashville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $115000.00/yr.

This is a direct placement opportunity that would have full benefits from company

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Nashville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 23, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.