Principal Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Description
The BAE Systems site in Aiken, South Carolina is seeking a seasoned Continuous Improvement - Business Transformation Leader. In this role as a principal-level Continuous Improvement Subject Matter Expert, you will help develop and sustain a lean culture using various Lean tools with focus on achieving world class safety and manufacturing performance. You will be an innovator with expertise in lean manufacturing, overall operations management, and plant transformations. You will perform all aspects of Continuous Improvement (CI) activities, always driven by business needs and company strategies / objectives.
As the CI Leader in Aiken you will lead in the following ways:
Business Transformation Initiatives

• Facilitate end-to-end lean and six sigma transformation projects, including planning, implementation, and evaluation phases.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members to identify improvement opportunities and develop comprehensive lean and six sigma strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Be accountable for project identification, prioritization, and achievement by applying the models, methods, and standards available, including Visual Management Systems, KPI Metric boards and Tools aligned with plant, department, and program objectives using a "Go and See" approach.
• Be expected to help develop and sustain a culture of continuous improvement using various CI tools with focus on achieving world class safety and manufacturing performance

Process Optimization

• Analyze existing processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement lean methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
• Utilize tools such as value stream mapping, Kaizen events, TPM, and 5S to drive process improvements.

Change Management

• Act as a change agent to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
• Provide guidance and support to stakeholders at all levels to ensure buy-in and successful implementation of lean initiatives.

Training and Development

• Develop and deliver training programs on lean principles, tools, and techniques to build capability and empower associates to drive improvement at all levels of the organization.
• Teach and coach Lean leadership concepts and behaviors including servant leadership, Lean daily management routines including the use of visual management
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting
• Help establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of CI initiatives. Monitor progress and track performance metrics.
• Apply Project Management Tool to facilitate all projects within scope (Plant / Department or Area) while ensuring timeline and target accomplishment (which includes savings or additional impact calculation and approvals, projects documentation and 12 months tracking for sustainability).

Continuous Learning

• Stay abreast of industry best practices, emerging trends, and new technologies related to lean methodologies and continuous improvement.
• Apply insights to refine existing processes and drive innovation within the organization.
• Continuously focus on capabilities development and certifications related to CI knowledge and application as helping the development of others. Special focus on peers in Quality, Operations, Manufacturing, and Engineering.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree in an Engineering or Science or related discipline with six years of related experience, or the overall equivalent
• Subject Matter Expertise in Lean and Continuous Improvement concepts, systems, methodologies and tools
• Lean or Six Sigma Certification (i.e. Green Belt, Black Belt)
• Experience with Quality, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial engineering departments and activities
• Requires innovative problem solving experience with A3, 8D, PDCA, 6 Sigma, Shanin, etc. and systematic thinking
• Highly effective communicator both written and spoken
• Training experience, both in one-on-one and group settings
• Experience presenting material and providing mentoring and coaching
• Pro-active with experience influencing, directing, guiding, and driving change
• Computer experience to include Microsoft Office Suite, Minitab, Visio, or similar applications
• Able to support on-site in Aiken, South Carolina

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Practical application of Advanced Product Quality Planning (via Core Quality Tools)
• Toyota Production System exposure
• Lean Transformation experience
• Certified Kaizen Facilitator
• Certified Lean Six Sigma BB
• Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical Engineer

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Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $105254 - $178931
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & Services
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and naval ship repair...just to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.