Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer
Job Description
Eaton’s AER MSD Mission System Division division is currently seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer. This role is based in Davenport, IA.
The expected annual salary range for this role is $86000 - $126000 a year.
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
What you’ll do:
As a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer you will be responsible for the implementation of plant-wide continuous improvement objectives by actively driving and sustaining problem solving using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies; institutionalizing the elements of the CI management system; and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Continuous Improvement within the Eaton Continuous Improvement System (ECIS). The Senior CIE will emphasize embedding CI practices by promoting, teaching and actively working key tools and cultural initiatives such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), A3 Problem Solving, Daily Accountability Process (DAP), Leader Standard Work (LSW), Gemba Walks (GW), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Standard Work (SW), and advanced problem-solving techniques including Lean and Six Sigma.
The role is accountable for achieving critical CI KPIs, including cost reduction, savings/certifications, improvement in quality and productivity at sites/business units, and reductions in lead time.
Additionally, the CIE will lead and support Six Sigma training, oversee certification processes, and drive continuous improvement in Six Sigma performance year over year.
In this function you will:
Strategy, Leadership & Culture
• Lead site‑level Continuous Improvement (CI) strategy, including ECIS deployment, sustainment, and performance management.
• Establish, execute, and evolve the Six Sigma strategy and program, including governance, certification pathways, instructor development, and performance metrics.
• Drive year‑over‑year Six Sigma performance in cost reduction, certifications, capability growth, and savings per certification.
Execution, Problem Solving & Operational Excellence
• Drive Kaizen events, structured problem solving (A3), and Six Sigma initiatives to deliver measurable and sustainable improvements.
• Utilize advanced CI methodologies (Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis) and foundational tools (A3, 5 Why, 5S).
• Identify adverse trends and systemic issues through cross‑functional collaboration and data‑driven analysis.
Capability Development & Cross‑Functional Partnership
• Lead CI and Six Sigma training and certification efforts for CI professionals and front‑line leaders.
• Review and continuously improve CI, Problem Solving, and Six Sigma training content to ensure high impact and consistency.
Qualifications:
Required (Basic) Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s engineering degree from an accredited institution
• 3+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement efforts using Lean process methods and tools across multiple functions of the business
• 5+ years in a lean manufacturing environment
• Certified and Active Six Sigma Belt and RedX problem solving methodology
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship now or in the future.
• This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. “Green Card Holder”), Political Asylee or Refugee.
• No relocation is offered for this position. All candidates must currently reside within 70 miles of Davenport, IA. Active-Duty Military Service member candidates are exempt from the geographical area limitation.
Preferred Qualifications:
• 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement efforts using Lean process methods and tools across multiple functions of the business
• 7+ years in a lean manufacturing environment
• 3+ years of experience leading continuous improvement efforts using six sigma process methods and tools, across multiple functions of the business
• Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor others in the Problem Solving and methodology
• Excellent Instructor and influence skills to enable visible and collaborative leadership
• Successful project management experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to relate to diverse teams and functions
• Demonstrated effective and professional presentation techniques and skills
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, and to take a proactive and aggressive goal-setting approach in developing a Lean culture
• Comfortable working with multiple departments
All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.
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You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
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We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.