Continuous Improvement Specialist

About the position

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist is responsible for analyzing and improving CPI Aero's Quality Management System including identifying areas of improvement within systems, processes/procedures and work instructions and developing strategies to reduce low-value activities, waste and those that may contribute to the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ). The CI Specialist considers many industry methods including Kaizen, Lean, Operational Excellence (OpEx), and Design for Excellence (DFX) objectives as it pertains to ensuring CPI Aero's products continuously meet its quality, conformance and compliance requirements in the most efficient manner. This position acts as Quality's CI facilitator and primary point of contact for most initiatives and collaborates with other departments, teams and individuals providing training as needed.

Responsibilities

• Act as CI facilitator and the primary point of contact for Quality's CI initiatives
• Lead dynamic teams and collaborate with stakeholders such as suppliers, customers and cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, planning and manufacturing
• Promote a culture of Quality and Excellence within CPI Aero
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within CPI Aero by analyzing quality metrics, identifying trends, and implementing best practices, corrective and preventive action plans
• Perform trend analysis and support variability reduction utilizing Lean Manufacturing and other advanced analytical skills such as Statistical Process Control
• Identify and develop data queries, threshold levels, etc. in support of focus areas / initiatives as required
• Identify waste and suggest improvements and CI initiatives to reduce the COPQ
• Assist Quality and other departments in optimizing any part of a selected value stream or process
• Research and develop improvement efforts/projects
• Perform cost and savings analysis of projects including brake-even points and ROI
• Support other Quality and business requirements as required

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field or equivalent education and work experience
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in leading CI projects, quality engineering, or quality management, preferably within the defense or aerospace industry
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify issues and connect corollary issues and effects
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams
• Ability to work well in a multifunctional team environment
• Excellent understanding of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, AS9102, etc.)
• Experience with root cause analysis, statistical process control, and problem-solving methodologies
• Experience in process mapping, cycle time reduction, waste elimination
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills
• General knowledge of aerospace/defense products, systems, specifications, standards, technologies - specifically in the area of product manufacturing, materials (metallurgy) and processing (i.e., heat treating, plating, coating; and non-destructive testing)

Nice-to-haves

• Certifications and/or experience with OpEx, DFX, Kaizen, Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt or similar are preferred

Benefits

• Salary range: $77,400-$115,300