Continuous Improvement Manager

About Formlabs:

To reinvent an industry you have to build the best team. Join Formlabs if you want to help us build the tools that make it possible for anyone to bring their ideas to life. We are bringing groundbreaking professional 3D printers and materials to the desktop of every designer engineer researcher dentist medical professional and artist in the world.

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Managerto take ownership of workspace organization efficiency and operational flow within our hardware research & development facility. This role is focused on optimizing lab and prototype shop layouts standardizing storage and tool systems and ensuring that engineers and technicians have the resources they needexactly when and where they need them.

You will apply Lean and Kaizen principles to create an environment that minimizes wasted motion reduces clutter and supports rapid hardware innovation. If youre passionate about transforming complex workspaces into high-performance highly organized environments this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

Workspace Design & Organization

• Audit and redesign workspace layouts for efficiency safety and accessibility.
  
  
• Implement and maintain 5S principles (Sort Set in Order Shine Standardize Sustain) across labs machine shops and fabrication areas.
  
  
• Develop visual management systems shadow boards labeling standards and standardized storage solutions.
  
  
• Optimize space utilization for tools test equipment and prototype storage.
  
  

Operational Flow & Resource Efficiency

• Map and streamline the movement of parts tools and materials through the R&D space.
  
  
• Improve the availability and accessibility of shared equipment.
  
  
• Minimize downtime caused by misplaced tools parts shortages or inefficient workspace layouts.
  
  

Standardization & Best Practices

• Create and enforce workspace organization standards for different teams and zones.
  
  
• Develop documentation training and checklists to maintain consistency.
  
  
• Partner with engineering and facilities teams to ensure new equipment is integrated seamlessly into existing workflows.
  
  

Continuous Improvement & Culture Building

• Lead Kaizen events focused on space and workflow optimization.
  
  
• Encourage a culture of ownership where every team member helps maintain and improve the workspace.
  
  
• Use data-driven metrics (e.g. time to locate tools equipment uptime space utilization rates) to measure and improve performance.
  
  

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Operations Industrial Design or related field (or equivalent experience).
  
  
• 35 years in workspace optimization lab/shop management or continuous improvement roles.
  
  
• Proven experience applying Lean 5S and Kaizen principles in technical environments.
  
  
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  
  
• Excellent communication and change management skills.
  
  

Preferred

• Six Sigma or Lean certification.
  
  
• Experience with hardware labs maker spaces or prototype shops.
  
  
• Familiarity with CNC machining electronics assembly or additive manufacturing environments.
  
  
• Knowledge of EHS and lab safety standards.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Exceptional spatial organization and workflow design skills
  
  
• Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset
  
  
• Hands-on collaborative leadership style
  
  
• Ability to balance efficiency improvements with creative R&D needs

Our Benefits & Perks:

• Robust equity program to build future wealth through RSUs
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (Medical Dental Vision)
• Low cost fund options in our 401K and access to advisors
• Generous paid Parental Leave (up to 16 weeks)
• Tenure-based paid Sabbatical Leave (up to 6 weeks)
• Flexible Out of Office Plan Take time when you need it
• Ample on-site parking & pre-tax commuter benefits
• Healthy on-site lunches snacks beverages & treats
• Regular sponsored professional development opportunities
• Many opt-in culture events across our diverse community
• And of course unlimited 3D prints

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race religion color national origin gender sexual orientation age marital status veteran status or disability status.

Even if you dont check every box but see yourself contributing please apply. Help us build an inclusive community that will change the face of 3D printing.

Required Experience:

Manager