Manufacturing Engineer (Continuous Improvement)

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer (Continuous Improvement) Location: Remote / Nationwide, USA (Travel Required) Duration: 12+ Months (Contract/Temp with the possibility of extension) Shift: 1st Shift Pay Range: $40/hour W2 Job Description: We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer (Continuous Improvement) to support manufacturing operations and capacity improvement initiatives across multiple facilities in the United States. This role will focus on collecting manufacturing data, analyzing production processes, developing capacity models, and implementing strategies to improve productivity, inventory accuracy, labor utilization, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in manufacturing process improvement, Lean Manufacturing, cycle count improvement, and value stream mapping . This position requires regular travel to manufacturing sites, typically spending 3–4 days onsite collecting operational data, followed by remote work to complete analysis and develop improvement recommendations. Important: Demonstrated experience with both cycle count improvement and value stream mapping is required. Candidates must provide specific examples of these projects in their resumes. Key Responsibilities: Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase manufacturing productivity, reduce waste, improve inventory accuracy, and enhance product quality. Collect and analyze operational data at manufacturing facilities to evaluate production capacity, throughput, labor utilization, and resource requirements. Develop and maintain capacity models to support production planning, resource allocation, and operational decision-making. Identify opportunities to improve cycle counting processes, inventory accuracy, material flow, and inventory management practices. Conduct value stream mapping exercises to identify process bottlenecks, inefficiencies, non-value-added activities, and opportunities for improvement. Perform time studies, labor analysis, workflow assessments, and production performance evaluations. Apply Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize manufacturing operations. Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to implement process improvements. Support new product introductions, engineering changes, process documentation, and manufacturing workflow enhancements. Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, process documentation, and improvement reports. Utilize manufacturing data to identify performance trends, investigate operational issues, and recommend corrective actions. Support equipment selection, tooling requirements, production line layout, and manufacturing cell optimization. Apply PFMEA and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles to improve quality and reduce manufacturing complexity. Prepare reports and present findings, capacity assessments, and improvement recommendations to relevant stakeholders. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. At least 3 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated experience with cycle count improvement, including specific examples of process improvements and results. Hands-on experience with value stream mapping, including identifying bottlenecks, analyzing workflows, and implementing improvements. Experience with manufacturing capacity modeling, production data analysis, time studies, or labor utilization assessments. Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, waste reduction, and process optimization. Experience analyzing manufacturing processes and translating operational data into actionable recommendations. Strong problem-solving, analytical, communication, and project coordination skills. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing process documentation. Willingness and ability to travel by air to manufacturing facilities across the United States. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in metal fabrication, sheet metal processing, HVAC components, assembly operations, or other industrial manufacturing environments. Experience with PFMEA, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and process risk assessment. Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar tools. Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management systems and manufacturing documentation requirements. Experience with automation, robotics, CNC equipment, or advanced manufacturing technologies. Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing or multi-site continuous improvement projects. Travel and Work Environment Regular air travel to manufacturing facilities is required. Typical site visits involve 3–4 days onsite collecting production, inventory, labor, and process data. Remote work is performed between site visits to analyze data, develop capacity models, and prepare improvement recommendations. Work may take place in active manufacturing environments with exposure to machinery, material handling equipment, and standard industrial conditions.