Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

About Kennametal

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leaderKennametal productivity to customers through materials science tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense earthworks energy general engineering and transportation turn toKennametalto help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Title:Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

Location:Asheboro NC

Job Summary:

The Operational Excellence Sr. Engineer leads complex continuous improvement initiatives and solves critical operational challenges using Lean methodologies structured problem solving and data-driven decision making across one or multiple plants. This role drives sustainable performance improvements develops Lean capabilities within plant teams and serves as a coach and advisor to support long-term operational excellence.


Key Job Responsibilities:

Lean COMPETENCES

• Leads complex problem-solving efforts to improve operational performance and eliminate waste.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in continuous improvement and Lean systems across one or multiple sites.
• Applies Advanced lean six sigma and Operational Excellence Methodologies to solve complex business and operational challenges.
• Builds Operational Excellence capability and promotes autonomous continuous improvement through coaching training and application of lean principles in the following areas:

• Equipment Efficiency Losses
• Direct Labor Efficiency
• Scrap Reduction.
• WIP Reduction.
• Hoshin & VSM.
• 5S & Product Respect. (Standards)

Lean STRATEGIES

• Translates business objectives into actionable improvement initiatives aligned with operational priorities.
• Identifies prioritizes and leads cross-functional improvement opportunities.
• Supports deployment of Operational Excellence initiatives and best practices.
• Partners with operational leaders to strengthen performance and continuous improvement capability..

Lean GEMBA ACTIVITIES

• For the Fields of Competences listed above:

• • Leads Gemba activities to Muda Hunting process constraints and improvement opportunities.
  • Facilitates root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions.
  • Detect Abnormalities vs. Lean Standards.
  • Coaches teams in structured problem solving Lean thinking and continuous improvement practices.

Lean RESULTS

• Leads complex problem-solving efforts to improve operational performance and eliminate waste.
• Improves productivity quality lead time inventory and operational effectiveness.
• Develops autonomous continuous improvement capability within operational teams
• Replicates successful practices and improvement methodologies with the Site & Portfolio Business Unit Representatives.

Education Work Experience Skills Certificates

• At least 8 Years in Production/Manufacturing Mechanical/Process/Industrial Engineering Related Experience. Multiple or Large Sites Lean Workshop Management Experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification through American Society for Quality (ASQ) is a plus.
• Knowledge and Practice Experience of the Following Tools:
  • Strong Problem Solving Communication & Coaching Skills.
  • 5S Zoning & Visual Management
  • Standard Work and Cycle Time Management.
  • Muda Hunting
  • Pull Flow/Kanban
  • SMED
  • TPM
  • VSM

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.