Continuous Improvement Engineer at Duravent Group – Jacksonville, Texas

Who We Are

Builder’s Best is a manufacturer of residential and commercial venting solutions, with 35+ years, 15+ patents, 1000+ SKUs, 6+ models of semi rigid aluminum duct, 7+ models of metal hoods, specialty elbows, close clearance periscopes and 2 facilities later (that is not a complete list) Builder’s Best supplies national companies with a wide range of venting products. It is our mission to provide quality venting materials at reasonable prices built here in the USA.

Our headquarters is in Jacksonville, Texas. We are centrally located in the rolling hills of east Texas, not far from Interstate 20, two hours east of Dallas and four hours north of Houston. We also maintain a manufacturing and distribution plant in Plant City, Florida.

As of 2024, Builder’s Best is part of the larger Duravent Group. The Duravent Group is a recognized global technology leader in the HVAC industry, first-to-market with innovations in venting systems. Founded in 1956, our $500 million + company is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and has 15 locations across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Duravent leads with best-in-class design and manufacturing capabilities, world-class distribution networks, and customer-first service and support. We ensure quality and drive safety through scientifically proven materials and unequaled engineering.

As a combined company, Duravent is uniquely positioned as the next generation leader in interior climate technology industry. Our team of passionate professionals needs you! Come join us and help us build for the future!

This Role:

Our Engineering team is seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer. This would be a full-time, on-site role located in Jacksonville, TX reporting to our Plant Manager.

What You Will Do:

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for driving process optimization, reducing waste, and improving product quality across the HVAC manufacturing plant. This position leads key improvement projects, applies Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, and partners with cross-functional teams to strengthen operational discipline and performance. The role is central to sustaining a culture of continuous improvement and supporting the plant’s long-term operational excellence strategy.

How You Will Do It:

Continuous Improvement Projects

• Identify, plan, and lead CI initiatives that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Apply Lean tools such as 5S, SMED, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Six Sigma problem-solving, and Kaizen.
• Track and report project progress, including cost savings, cycle-time improvements, and KPI impact.

Process Analysis and Optimization

• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and waste.
• Develop and implement data-driven improvement plans that reduce downtime and increase throughput.
• Partner with production teams to validate process changes and monitor results.

Lean Manufacturing Implementation

• Promote Lean practices throughout the plant and ensure standard adoption.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and problem-solving activities with cross-functional teams.
• Coach employees at all levels on Lean tools and CI principles to build internal capability.

Waste Reduction and Efficiency Improvement

• Identify and eliminate material waste, rework, excessive motion, overprocessing, and other forms of waste.
• Support initiatives such as TPM, JIT inventory management, and defect-reduction efforts.
• Analyze trends and operational data to drive additional efficiency gains.

Quality Improvement

• Work closely with Quality to address defect trends and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct root cause analysis using disciplined problem-solving methods (5-Why, Fishbone, DMAIC).
• Support deployment of SPC, PFMEA, and other quality improvement tools.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Gather and analyze production data, cycle times, downtime causes, and scrap trends.
• Use data-analysis tools to identify improvement opportunities.
• Prepare reports and present recommendations clearly and factually to plant leadership.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Materials teams to drive improvement actions.
• Communicate project updates, risks, and results in a clear and structured manner.
• Encourage a disciplined, data-oriented culture on the shop floor.

Training and Development

• Develop and deliver training on Lean concepts, problem-solving, standard work, and CI methodologies.
• Provide ongoing coaching to support sustainment of improvements.
• Strengthen employee engagement in improvement activities.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

• Ensure CI activities comply with all safety and environmental requirements.
• Identify risks associated with process changes and implement necessary controls.
• Support the plant’s safety culture through disciplined execution and documentation.

Documentation and Standardization

• Document process improvements and support creation or updates to SOPs and Standard Work.
• Maintain CI tools, templates, process maps, checklists, and training materials.
• Ensure all process changes are communicated and properly implemented.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field preferred
  • Equivalent experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, or process optimization may be considered in lieu of an engineering degree.
• Relevant certifications (Lean, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt) are a strong plus.
• 3–5 years in continuous improvement, Lean manufacturing, or process engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading CI projects with measurable results.
• Strong knowledge of Lean tools, Six Sigma methods, and operational excellence systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Proven leadership capabilities, with the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Solid project management skills; able to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Proficiency in process mapping, data analysis, and CI software/tools.
• Strong organization, follow-through, and attention to detail.
• High level of professionalism and accountability.

What We Offer:

Builders Best offers competitive Medical, Dental, STD, LTD, 401K and an environment to grow and evolve your career with a great team and a dynamic company.

EEOC Statement:

Duravent and Builders Best is an equal opportunity employer committed to making employment decisions solely on valid job requirements. We provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, genetic information, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability or veteran status.