Continuous Improvement Engineer

Company Information

General Dynamics is a successful Fortune 100, global aerospace, and defense company, with over 90,000 employees world-wide. General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, has a strong foundation of delivering core engineering and manufacturing capabilities to our clients for military vehicles. Our team is focused on continuous process and productivity improvements that reduce product costs, while increasing troop safety and effectiveness. Land Systems continues to work with the US Armed Forces and its Allies to ensure these vehicles remain survivable, relevant, flexible, affordable, and capable of addressing a dynamic threat environment.

Responsibilities to Anticipate for this Role

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer reports to the Engineering Manager and plays a critical role in supporting and implementing CI initiatives to improve production performance, reduce waste, lower costs, while also enhancing safety and quality process across our manufacturing facility. Leveraging their experience in continuous improvement while fostering a collaborative working culture with the other engineering members and departments will be crucial to success. This role is a hands-on, floor-focused contributor who supports operational excellence efforts through direct engagement with manufacturing teams and processes.

• Analyze existing systems and processes to identify and reduce non-value-added activities to improve the manufacturing throughput of wire harness assemblies
• Drive cultural change through on-going teaching and coaching across all levels of the organization on the use of lean tools and principles to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead complex problem-solving efforts across the organization.
• Coach and support problem solving using a wide range of tools including Kaizen, Pareto, etc.
• Lead the deployment and maintenance of key standard work initiatives
• Support CI projects from problem identification through implementation and sustainment, including action tracking and follow-up.
• Collect and analyze operational data to support KPI tracking and performance reviews.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EHS to support effective implementation of improvement actions.
• Uphold the company's reputation by delivering innovative solutions while adhering to local and national regulations
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or another technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in continuous improvement, engineering, manufacturing, or operations environment with exposure to CI activities.
• Pro-active with experience influencing, directing, guiding and driving change.
• Extensive experience with Lean tools and principles including: Visual Daily Management, 6S, Leader Standard Work, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis, Process Mapping, etc.
• Strong problem-solving experience using a variety of tools to identify root causes and develop corrective and preventative actions.
• Strong analytical and team-based problem-solving skills. Experience in data analysis for driving improvements.
• Capable of leading and developing Lean / Continuous Improvement processes.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and/or train across all levels of the organization.
• Goal-oriented and self-driven with high levels of personal accountability and discipline for team, company, and personal growth.
• Experience with various methods of managing and tracking improvement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Subject Matter Expertise in Lean and Continuous Improvement concepts, systems, methodologies and tools
• Proven project management skills.
• Highly effective communication both written and spoken.