Continuous Improvement Engineer

Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people's lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all - a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment.

As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World's Most Ethical Companies since 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do - acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.

The role:

Reporting to the processing manager you will work with Manufacturing Management and Manufacturing personnel to implement lean manufacturing methodologies to improve production efficiencies, quality, and throughput. You will Support investigations into non-conformances and develop corrective and preventive actions. Evaluate and improve flow of materials and personnel through the manufacturing process.

At Kao, we offer amazing benefits that are available to you on your first day of employment (healthcare, 401(k) plus company match), 36 total days off (vacation + holidays + sick) and a reasonable salary range of $70,000 - $85,000.

What you will do:

• Work with Manufacturing management and GENBA personnel to implement lean manufacturing methodologies to improve production efficiencies, quality, and throughput.
• Focus on quality and develop strategies to improve first-pass yield and reduce human error non-conformances.
• Use current KPI's and create new metrics to drive behavior and efficiency.
• Train manufacturing personnel on new processes and equipment.
• Resolve production issues on the floor in real-time with a focus on preventing recurrence.
• Improve business and manufacturing processes by reducing waste and simplifying workflows.
• Recommend and coordinate cost-saving initiatives based on in-depth analysis.
• Find and address ergonomic and safety risks, promoting the Zero-Accident culture.
• Propose improvements and appropriate changes to plant management through the Management of Change process.

What you will need:

• Bachelor Degree - Engineering
• 3+ years manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years continuous improvement/ manufacturing/ process engineer
• Experience with different pumps, mixing vessels, and other compounding equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft excel (can perform complex functions).
• Experience with ERP systems.
• Understand and exposure to Controls systems.
• Experience identifying manufacturing opportunities, developing value-add solutions, and challenging the status quo.
• Ability to climb, bend and crouch.
• Ability to travel both domestically and globally 10% of the time

How we work: Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 18 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and create our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.

What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with great compensation packages, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward thinking and new ideas.

Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.

Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit our Americas website (https://www.kao.com/americas/en/).

Kao USA is an equal opportunity employer, including disability/ vets.

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