The Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for driving efficiency, safety, and process optimization across Reader Precision Solutions’ advanced machine shop operations. This role is project-focused, driven by the needs of the Company and its employees, and emphasizes hands-on execution to support lean manufacturing initiatives throughout the production floor. Working closely with production, quality, and maintenance teams, the Continuous Improvement Engineer will identify opportunities, implement sustainable improvements, and foster a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence.

This position offers exposure to Swiss machining and CNC machining, while also collaborating with cross-functional departments and applying industrial and systems engineering principles. The engineer will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on daily operations while learning the intricacies of precision manufacturing.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Continuous Improvement Projects

• Plan, coordinate, and execute lean and kaizen initiatives across all production departments.
• Lead 5S projects in mechanical and CNC tooling areas to improve organization, ergonomics, and productivity.
• Support the design and optimization of workstations and part cleaning stations across the production floor, including improvements to finishing and secondary equipment areas.

Lean Methodologies

• Implement lean methodologies such as 5S, standard work, visual management, and waste elimination.
• Conduct time studies, process mapping, and ergonomic assessments to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.

Documentation & Systems Maintenance

• Develop, update, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), training documents, and maintenance records.
• Maintain and optimize the use of the Matrix Tool Crib software to ensure tooling accuracy, accessibility, and efficiency.
• Create visual management tools (charts, signage, work instructions) to reinforce standards across departments.

Hands-On Support

• Collaborate directly with department leads to trial and validate new processes.
• Provide hands-on assistance in fixture assembly, workstation setup, and organization of materials or kits, requiring basic use of tool room equipment such as mills and 3D printers.
• Act as a resource for ergonomic improvements, ensuring compliance with safety policies and enhancing operator comfort and longevity.

Problem Solving & Culture Building

• Facilitate root cause analysis sessions to identify process bottlenecks and partner with department leads to develop and implement more efficient solutions.
• Partner with leadership to drive action items and monitor project progress.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout the production floor.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field preferred; equivalent education or relevant work experience will also be considered.
• 0–3 years of experience in a manufacturing or process improvement role; internship or production floor exposure strongly valued.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing tools such as 5S, kaizen, value stream mapping, and standard work is desired.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a hands-on mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic data analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work across departments.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time, salaried exempt, benefits eligible position, following a core schedule of Monday through Friday from 6:30AM to 3:00PM, with flexibility as needed; additional hours may be required based on business needs.

Physical/Environmental Demands: The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical and environmental demands required to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these duties.

• Combination of office work and regular presence on the manufacturing floor to support projects and collaborate with teams.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and interacting with employees to observe processes, evaluate workstations, and verify improvements.
• Office responsibilities involve the use of a computer, phone, and other standard equipment.
• Manufacturing floor environment includes moderate noise typical of machining operations.
• Occasional lifting of up to 30–40 pounds related to tools, fixtures, or materials.
• Ability to adapt to interruptions, shifting priorities, and hands-on project work throughout the day.

Benefits & perks of joining the Reader Precision Solutions team include:

RPS team members enjoy a challenging & fast-paced work environment in a high-tech manufacturing facility named the 35th & 37th Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. Our work environment is extremely clean, well lit, organized (5S), & climate-controlled. In addition, our team thrives in a supportive culture that provides engaged leadership, ongoing recognition for performance results, & a great benefits package.

• Competitive wages (paid weekly on Thursday's)
• 8% of base pay shift differential (2nd & 3rd shift)
• Benefits begin the month following 30 days of employment: health insurance with points based, holistic wellness program, dental, life, & disability insurance
• Partnership with a near site local clinic for FREE health services including primary & preventative care, walk in visits, labs, prescriptions, etc.
• FREE vision insurance!
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4.5% company match (immediately vested!)
• Vacation accrual starts upon hire - accrue up to 2.5 weeks in first year!
• 9 paid holidays with up to two discretionary holidays each year
• Education assistance up to $5,250 annually (after 12 months of service)
• Professional development opportunities – internal & external (cross-departmental training, PMPA conferences, IMTS-Chicago, local technical colleges/universities, & more…)
• Career advancement – ongoing training & mentoring with opportunity to grow your skills
• Performance bonus – potential to receive a discretionary year-end bonus based on individual and group performance
• Company paid Short-Term Disability policy
• Company events – team lunches, summer picnic event, holiday party
• Company zoo pass to Milwaukee County Zoo
• Voluntary pet insurance
• Holistic wellness program – earn up to $700 in incentives through points accumulation for accomplishing a variety of wellness activities. Also offered by the Company are employer paid onsite flu shots, biometric screenings, free health coaching & MUCH more!
• Employer paid life insurance – $50,000 policy with options for voluntary life up to $400,000 benefit maximum
• Financial planning resources & onsite financial wellness workshops
• Employer subsidized work shoes & safety glasses program
• Reader Precision Solutions branded attire – $100 annual allowance
• Employee Referral bonus – $1,000
• Satisfying work…leaving work at the end of the day knowing that the GREAT work you do is meaningful and appreciated by the Company, our clients, and end users who benefit from the high-quality components we manufacture for them!

With the right mix of drive, commitment to excellence, & consistent performance, you will have the opportunity to further develop your skills in different areas with increasing responsibilities & rewards!

Reader Precision Solutions Four Pillars: Innovation, Empowerment, Integrity & Respect

• Innovation – we apply creative solutions to exceed expectations internally and externally. We deliver creative solutions by pursuing continuous improvement, challenging the limits of conventional thinking to drive positive change, and engaging our clients to achieve synergy.
• Empowerment – we equip our employees to succeed. We nurture success by setting realistic goals and standards; with accountability and regular performance feedback, providing training opportunities for growth and learning and offering employees a safe and modern work environment.
• Integrity – our reputation is everything. We preserve and enhance our reputation by operating with the highest ethical standards, focusing on client needs, and contributing positively to our community and environment.
• Respect – we act with honor in all our interactions. In our interactions, we accept and value individual differences, work together with a positive attitude and promote open and honest communication in a team-based environment.

Reader Precision Solutions is a premier contract manufacturer of precision machined components, delivering high-quality, mission-critical solutions across a wide range of industries and applications. With decades of expertise, Reader Precision operates under a comprehensive turnkey manufacturing model, offering end-to-end control from early supplier involvement and engineering collaboration to full-scale production, precision finishing, and logistics management.

This integrated approach ensures exceptional quality, reliability, and responsiveness for clients in the military & weapons systems, dental & healthcare, defense & tactical, flow control, and specialty markets. Reader Precision Solutions proudly serves a diverse customer base across North America and Europe.

To discover why Reader Precision Solutions is the first choice for our partners, and an employer of choice, visit our website: https://readerprecision.com.

Reader Precision Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.