Continuous Improvement Engineer

At Apex International , we pride ourselves on being a high-quality manufacturer of over the counter personal care and household products. We create collaborative partnerships with customers ranging from global Fortune 100 companies to entrepreneurial start-ups.

We are currently seeking a Continuous Improvement Engineer at either our Eden Prairie or Chaska location. This role will report to the VP of Maintenance and Engineering and will be at the forefront of implementing and maintaining key processes through the entire Compounding and Filling operation to improve safety, quality, and productivity to support business growth. In partnership with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering, the successful candidate would use a data-driven approach to determine the areas to focus on for improvement and implement action plans to deliver results.

Job Summary

The continuous improvement engineer is often a mechanical engineering professional with experience in manufacturing and preferably in a consumer packaged goods environment (food, beverages, makeup, and/or household products). The CI engineer will be focused on testing and evaluating processes and procedures to locate inefficiencies, make recommendations, and implement improvements to quality, productivity, safety, and cost. The main objective of this role is to lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives that improve plant throughput and reduce scrap and yield loss.

Key Job Accountabilities

Process Improvement and Optimization

• Identify, evaluate, develop, specify, justify, install, and start up process improvements to increase line efficiency and reduce unscheduled downtime.
• Investigate, experiment, and implement processes to maximize productivity.
• Provide manufacturing with packaging and technical engineering support to implement new products and processes into production.
• Proactive problem solving based on analysis of corrective actions as assigned.
• Implement technical and technological developments based on proactive problem-solving as assigned.
• Evaluate current processes, determine their effectiveness, identify opportunities, and recommend strategies for improvement.
• Lead process improvement projects to meet business objectives and deliver quantifiable results using lean and six sigma methodologies.
• Assist in leading layout optimizations for new product development projects in the plant.
• Responsible for leading continuous improvement manufacturing efforts and managing safety, quality, and productivity improvement projects to support rapid improvement.
• Provide recommendations in the selection of new machines, tooling, automation, and processes required to meet safety, quality, and productivity objectives.
• Analyze existing operations and initiate process improvements using time studies, line balancing, and other tools.

Training and Team Development

• Provide tactical coaching on Continuous Improvement Techniques (SMED, DMAIC, Root Cause Analysis).
• Mentor and train operations staff on continuous improvement principles.
• Install and support organizational supports for Continuous Improvement (reviews, communications, rewards, software).

Project Management

• Create and maintain an environment of continuous improvement by actively managing projects to improve overall quality and productivity.
• Participate and present in operations and business reviews as required.
• Primary point of contact for continuous improvement in manufacturing.

Required Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of previous experience in an Engineering role, preferably within a consumer-packaged goods (or related) industry.
• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering from an accredited University is highly preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, machine tools, and plant equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in working with operations to enable cost savings and product quality improvement.
• Experience with GMP guidelines and FDA regulations.
• Manufacturing scale-up processes.
• Proven track record of independently managing projects from conception to completion.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and cohesively with a multicultural and diverse team and influence other departments and senior managers.
• Advanced computer skills, including the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
• Process certifications, such as a Six Sigma belt, are preferred but not required.
• Project management certification through Project Management Institute, American Society for the Advancement of Project Management, or other project certification is preferred but not required.
• Advanced presentation and influential skills, proven ability to speak and present to all members of an organization, including both technical and non-technical audiences.

Work Demands

• This position could require significant work hours beyond the normal workday as required by the business cycle, customer volume of business, and specific sales efforts underway. It has a high demand for tight deadlines. This position will experience moderate interruption in workflow. It has a low rate of overnight and day travel.

Work Schedule

• This position usually works 8-10 hours between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. However, the hours of work are flexible and will fluctuate based on the needs of the business and the customers. The job may require a maximum of 5-20 hours of work beyond the normal work-week schedule, depending on work demands. The work hours can vary depending on customer requirements and staffing.

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Dental benefits
• Short term & Long-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• HSA/Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program

Additional Information

Apex International's dynamic nature, unwavering commitment to quality, implementation of Lean Manufacturing practices, financial strength, unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, and problem-solving employees have propelled us to become a prominent industry leader in contract manufacturing for the personal and home care sector.

Apex International offers a hybrid work schedule, with our team onsite two or three days per week. Our manufacturing locations are in Eden Prairie and Chaska, MN, and our corporate office is in Eden Prairie, MN. This role would require travel weekly to either or both locations, depending on project and work needs.

Apex International Inc. is an equal-opportunity Employer.