Continuous Improvement Engineer

From smartphones to solar panels, innovative technology is needed to create the devices we use every day. Silfex’s silicon components help make that technology a reality.

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company is the leading provider of precision silicon components used to make and operate semiconductor tools, which enable the trillion-dollar global electronics industry. Our company’s products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets. The outstanding team at Silfex makes that possible – through our people, we are advancing the world. 

The impact we have on the world is made possible by focusing on our people. So we recognize and celebrate our teams’ achievements. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone’s contribution and voice has value. We evaluate and evolve our offerings, so our people receive the support and empowerment to do meaningful things for their lives, careers, and communities.

Our Perks and Benefits

At Silfex, our people make amazing things possible. That’s why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits that start on your first day of employment. 

Discover more at Lam Benefits

Job Descriptions:

Essential Function:

Accountable and responsible to the Senior Manager of Continuous Improvement for supporting waste eliminating initiatives that impact the following Key Performance Indicators: People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost - for both Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing functional areas and processes. Builds trust via effective meetings with paced and results-oriented goals, breaking down silos and building transparency through mutual respect and objective data. Collaborates daily with manufacturing and non-manufacturing team members on Lean/Continuous Improvement (CI) tools and concepts both at the Gemba as well as in the classroom. Responsible for the continual development and cross-training of employees to drive CI maturity (Bronze, Silver, Gold) for the business. Utilizes a logic-based best practices, Go-See validation, and power of influence (as opposed to a “Thou Shalt”) methodology in order to authentically win over challenging personalities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports Lean/CI change management culture to all levels (office and shop floor) of the organization through value stream mapping activity, lean events and lean training.
• Supports data collection & data analysis activities to ensure performance objectives are achieved in the areas of waste reduction, profitability, quality, and safety.
• Supports, co-facilitates, or facilitates: Kaizen Events, CI Projects, Just-Do-It’s, and Wins of the Week
• Documents roadblocks for escalation process.
• Executes training of Lean ‘Core Criteria’ to cross-functional employees – including, but not limited to: Value-Add/NVA, 8-wastes, 5S, Visual Management, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, Problem-Solving, Leader Standard Work, and Constraint Management.
• Promotes Theory of Constraints and lean transformation topics and helps make decisions that support the needs of the business.
• Promotes the use of time observations sheets and standard work combination sheets
• Investigates employee suggestions for feasibility activities toward implementation as needed.
• Influences upward, across, and down with or without direct lines of authority/ability to take charge.
• Completes tasks within defined procedures, seeking out new assignments.
• Is an effective change agent on matter that affects a department and organization.
• Works on significant and unique issues where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles
• Exercises independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results, creating formal networks involving coordination amongst groups

Culture:

• Display a positive attitude and strong work ethic that reflects the Mission and Core Values of Silfex.
• Create and maintain a culture where workplace safety is part of everything we do.  Provide the safest possible workplace to our employees by modeling and following all company safety policies, reporting any incidents or unsafe conditions immediately to Silfex management.  Wear all PPE as required by work area or job function.
• Communication – Begin with the end in mind – Communicate boldly as well as effectively with empathy and respect to inspire teamwork and collaboration vertically and horizontally within Silfex.
• Assist in applying lean manufacturing concepts and 5S.  Demonstrate ownership of continuous improvement ideas and activities.  Maintain organization and cleanliness, housekeeping and 5S within work area.  Maintain these areas to the highest degree possible while responsibly escalating any maintenance issues.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years of experience with a Master’s degree
• High energy and assertiveness to manage basic intermediate processes and projects, work under tight time constraints and effectively work in a matrixed environment.
• High level of confidence in influencing people with no direct authority relationship.
• Ability to inspire and influence without authority and to challenge the status quo.
• Strong verbal communication skills, communicating roadblocks in a timely manner.
• Strong written communication skills delivering lean event report-outs and training slides.
• Strong collaboration skills supporting peers, team leads and Managers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or Business Management
• Professional certification(s) in Lean / Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience in a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Experience in semiconductor fabrication or other high-tech industry.

Physical Demands: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and; talk or hear.

The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds. The employee regularly is required to lift up to 10 pounds. The vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
 
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the environment is moderate.

Our Commitment

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.

Silfex Inc., A Lam Research Company ("Silfex" or the "Company"), is an equal opportunity employer. Silfex is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.