Continuous Improvement Engineer in Walker, Michigan at Land Systems

Position Title: Continuous Improvement Engineer

Location: Walker, MI, United States

Category: Engineering

Job Type: Full-Time

Country: United States

State: MI

City: Walker

Remote Work Options: On-Site

Security Clearance Required: None

Career Level: Mid-Career

Requisition ID: 17971943

Description: Company Information

General Dynamics is a successful Fortune 100, global aerospace, and defense company, with over 90,000 employees world-wide. General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, has a strong foundation of delivering core engineering and manufacturing capabilities to our clients for military vehicles. Our team is focused on continuous process and productivity improvements that reduce product costs, while increasing troop safety and effectiveness. Land Systems continues to work with the US Armed Forces and its Allies to ensure these vehicles remain survivable, relevant, flexible, affordable, and capable of addressing a dynamic threat environment.

Responsibilities to Anticipate for this Role

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer reports to the Engineering Manager and plays a critical role in supporting and implementing CI initiatives to improve production performance, reduce waste, lower costs, while also enhancing safety and quality process across our manufacturing facility. Leveraging their experience in continuous improvement while fostering a collaborative working culture with the other engineering members and departments will be crucial to success. This role is a hands-on, floor-focused contributor who supports operational excellence efforts through direct engagement with manufacturing teams and processes.

• Analyze existing systems and processes to identify and reduce non-value-added activities to improve the manufacturing throughput of wire harness assemblies
• Drive cultural change through on-going teaching and coaching across all levels of the organization on the use of lean tools and principles to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead complex problem-solving efforts across the organization.
• Coach and support problem solving using a wide range of tools including Kaizen, Pareto, etc.
• Lead the deployment and maintenance of key standard work initiatives
• Support CI projects from problem identification through implementation and sustainment, including action tracking and follow-up.
• Collect and analyze operational data to support KPI tracking and performance reviews.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EHS to support effective implementation of improvement actions.
• Uphold the company's reputation by delivering innovative solutions while adhering to local and national regulations
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or another technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in continuous improvement, engineering, manufacturing, or operations environment with exposure to CI activities.
• Pro-active with experience influencing, directing, guiding and driving change.
• Extensive experience with Lean tools and principles including: Visual Daily Management, 6S, Leader Standard Work, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis, Process Mapping, etc.
• Strong problem-solving experience using a variety of tools to identify root causes and develop corrective and preventative actions.
• Strong analytical and team-based problem-solving skills. Experience in data analysis for driving improvements.
• Capable of leading and developing Lean / Continuous Improvement processes.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and/or train across all levels of the organization.
• Goal-oriented and self-driven with high levels of personal accountability and discipline for team, company, and personal growth.
• Experience with various methods of managing and tracking improvement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Subject Matter Expertise in Lean and Continuous Improvement concepts, systems, methodologies and tools
• Proven project management skills.
• Highly effective communication both written and spoken.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people across 65 countries worldwide and in all 50 U.S. states, more information is available at www.gd.com. General Dynamics Land Systems, is a business unit of General Dynamics, and is an innovative leader of ground combat systems' equipment and software for our clients. Our performance-driven team partners with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corp and other militaries across the Globe to ensure that next generation ground combat vehicles are ready to protect our fighting men and women in uniform. General Dynamics Lands Systems provides a competitive compensation package, site specific flexible work schedules, 401(k) with Company Match; Bonus Eligibility, Employee Development Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, On-site Amenities, and comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, General Dynamics Land Systems ("GDLS") provides all persons with equal opportunity and access to all aspects of employment process, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. GDLS also is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation to search or apply for an opportunity with GDLS, please call 586-825-4000 or send an e-mail to for assistance and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.
Company Information

General Dynamics is a successful Fortune 100, global aerospace, and defense company, with over 90,000 employees world-wide. General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, has a strong foundation of delivering core engineering and manufacturing capabilities to our clients for military vehicles. Our team is focused on continuous process and productivity improvements that reduce product costs, while increasing troop safety and effectiveness. Land Systems continues to work with the US Armed Forces and its Allies to ensure these vehicles remain survivable, relevant, flexible, affordable, and capable of addressing a dynamic threat environment.

Responsibilities to Anticipate for this Role

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer reports to the Engineering Manager and plays a critical role in supporting and implementing CI initiatives to improve production performance, reduce waste, lower costs, while also enhancing safety and quality process across our manufacturing facility. Leveraging their experience in continuous improvement while fostering a collaborative working culture with the other engineering members and departments will be crucial to success. This role is a hands-on, floor-focused contributor who supports operational excellence efforts through direct engagement with manufacturing teams and processes.

• Analyze existing systems and processes to identify and reduce non-value-added activities to improve the manufacturing throughput of wire harness assemblies
• Drive cultural change through on-going teaching and coaching across all levels of the organization on the use of lean tools and principles to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead complex problem-solving efforts across the organization.
• Coach and support problem solving using a wide range of tools including Kaizen, Pareto, etc.
• Lead the deployment and maintenance of key standard work initiatives
• Support CI projects from problem identification through implementation and sustainment, including action tracking and follow-up.
• Collect and analyze operational data to support KPI tracking and performance reviews.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EHS to support effective implementation of improvement actions.
• Uphold the company's reputation by delivering innovative solutions while adhering to local and national regulations
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or another technical field.
• 10+ years of experience in continuous improvement, engineering, manufacturing, or operations environment with exposure to CI activities.
• Pro-active with experience influencing, directing, guiding and driving change.
• Extensive experience with Lean tools and principles including: Visual Daily Management, 6S, Leader Standard Work, Kaizen, Root Cause Analysis, Process Mapping, etc.
• Strong problem-solving experience using a variety of tools to identify root causes and develop corrective and preventative actions.
• Strong analytical and team-based problem-solving skills. Experience in data analysis for driving improvements.
• Capable of leading and developing Lean / Continuous Improvement processes.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and/or train across all levels of the organization.
• Goal-oriented and self-driven with high levels of personal accountability and discipline for team, company, and personal growth.
• Experience with various methods of managing and tracking improvement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Subject Matter Expertise in Lean and Continuous Improvement concepts, systems, methodologies and tools
• Proven project management skills.
• Highly effective communication both written and spoken.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people across 65 countries worldwide and in all 50 U.S. states, more information is available at www.gd.com. General Dynamics Land Systems, is a business unit of General Dynamics, and is an innovative leader of ground combat systems' equipment and software for our clients. Our performance-driven team partners with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corp and other militaries across the Globe to ensure that next generation ground combat vehicles are ready to protect our fighting men and women in uniform. General Dynamics Lands Systems provides a competitive compensation package, site specific flexible work schedules, 401(k) with Company Match; Bonus Eligibility, Employee Development Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, On-site Amenities, and comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, General Dynamics Land Systems ("GDLS") provides all persons with equal opportunity and access to all aspects of employment process, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. GDLS also is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation to search or apply for an opportunity with GDLS, please call 586-825-4000 or send an e-mail to for assistance and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.