Lead, Continuous Improvement Engineer

THE ROLE

Our manufacturing site in Chaska MN is seeking a new Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our this role the new hire will

drive operational excellence across a multi-process manufacturing site combining injection molding high-precision CNC machining and manual/automated assembly. This role owns the sites continuous improvement roadmap end to end identifying opportunities leading cross-functional kaizen and Six Sigma projects and institutionalizing lean systems (5S standard work TPM SMED value stream mapping) that improve safety quality delivery and cost (SQDC).

WHAT YOULL DO

• Lead site-wide continuous improvement strategy across injection molding precision machining and assembly value streams aligning CI priorities with plant and regional business objectives.

• Own and mature the sites lean management system: 5S visual management standard work TPM SMED error-proofing (poka-yoke) and daily management/tiered accountability boards.

• Plan and lead Kaizen events DMAIC/Six Sigma projects and rapid problem-solving (A3 8D 5-Why fishbone) to close gaps in scrap cycle time OEE first-pass yield and on-time delivery.

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to optimize injection molding process parameters (cycle time cooling hot runner performance) and CNC/precision machining processes (tolerance capability tool life setup reduction).

• Drive OEE and downtime-reduction programs on molding presses CNC machining centers and assembly lines through data analysis root-cause elimination and preventive/predictive maintenance collaboration.

• Use statistical tools (SPC Cpk/Ppk capability studies DOE) to reduce process variation and support PPAP/APQP activities for new and existing programs.

• Build mentor and lead a team of CI engineers and technicians; develop their technical and leadership capability as a bench for future CI and operations roles.

• Own the sites CI project pipeline and savings tracking reporting productivity cost-reduction and quality improvement results to plant and regional leadership.

• Lead capital project scoping and justification (ROI/payback) for automation tooling and equipment upgrades in molding machining and assembly.

• Support new product/program launches by embedding CI principles into line design work cell layout and standard work from the outset.

• Champion a safety-first culture ensuring CI initiatives improve ergonomics and reduce injury risk alongside productivity gains.

• Serve as a change agent and coach for plant leadership supervisors and operators building a self-sustaining culture of continuous improvement.

WHAT WE SEEK

• Education: Bachelors degree in Industrial Manufacturing Mechanical Engineering or related technical field required; advanced degree (MBA or MS in Engineering/Operations) preferred

• Experience: 710 years of progressive manufacturing/CI experience with direct exposure to injection molding and precision machining environments; prior experience leading teams and CI projects at a plant level required.

• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt required (Master Black Belt a plus); formal 5S/TPM training preferred.

• Deep working knowledge of injection molding fundamentals (materials tooling process setup scientific molding) and high-precision machining (CNC programming basics GD&T metrology/CMM).

• Proven track record applying lean and Six Sigma tools to deliver measurable SQDC results in a regulated or tolerance-critical manufacturing environment.

• Strong financial acumen able to build business cases track project ROI and speak fluently to cost-per-part labor efficiency and capital payback.

• Demonstrated people-leadership ability: coaching mentoring and developing engineers and technicians with the executive presence to influence plant and regional leadership.

• Proficiency with data and CI tooling (Minitab or equivalent statistical software ERP/MES systems Excel-based analysis); comfort building dashboards to report results.

• Excellent communication and project management skills; able to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.

WHY WORK AT ENTEGRIS
Lead. Inspire. Innovate. Define Your Future.
Not everyone who works for a global company shares the same background experiences and perspectives. We leverage the differences of our employees to bring new ideas to the table. Every employee throughout the company is encouraged to share input on projects and initiatives. Our decision-making process is truly a collaborative effort as we realize there are leaders at every level of the organization. We put our values at the core of how we operate as an organization not just when its convenient but in a lasting and meaningful way. We want the time and energy you spend here to have a positive impact on your life inside and outside of the office.

WHAT WE OFFER
Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether youre looking to build your career improve your health or protect your wealth we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.

• Compensation: $108000- $135000 per year range with actual pay dependent on candidate overall skills for the role

• Annual bonus eligibility

• Progressive paid time off policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge

• Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match with no delayed vesting

• Excellent health dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs

• Education assistance to support your learning journey

• A values-driven culture with colleagues that rally around People Accountability Creativity and Excellence

Entegris does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need Entegris immigration sponsorship (e.g. H1B TN STEM OPT etc.) now or in the future.

At Entegris we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit hire train and reward employees for their individual abilities achievements and experience without regard to race color religion sexual orientation age national origin disability marital or military status.

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