Senior Specialist, Continuous Improvement
Entegris · Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Job Title:
Senior Specialist, Continuous Improvement
Job Description:
THE ROLE
Our manufacturing site in Colorado Springs, CO is seeking a Senior Specialist, Continuous Improvement to join our team. In this role, you will independently lead CI initiatives and influence stakeholders through data, Lean and Six Sigma methods, and structured problem-solving. You will partner across injection molding, high-precision CNC machining, and manual/automated assembly operations to identify opportunities and deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC).
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Independently lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives across injection molding, precision machining, and assembly value streams, translating performance gaps into prioritized project plans and measurable outcomes.
- Plan and facilitate Kaizen events, DMAIC projects, and structured problem-solving using A3, 8D, 5-Why, fishbone, and value stream mapping techniques.
- Apply Lean methods including 5S, visual management, standard work, TPM, SMED, error-proofing, and daily management to improve process stability and operational performance.
- Analyze operational data and apply SPC, capability analysis, regression, and other statistical methods to identify root causes, reduce variation, and validate improvements.
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to improve cycle time, scrap, OEE, first-pass yield, setup time, downtime, and on-time delivery.
- Support improvement work involving injection molding process performance, CNC and precision machining capability, tooling, equipment, and assembly flow.
- Develop project charters, timelines, control plans, KPI reviews, and layered audits to sustain gains and maintain accountability for results.
- Support business-case development and ROI/payback analysis for automation, tooling, equipment upgrades, and other productivity investments.
- Coach plant teams on Lean daily management, A3 thinking, and problem-solving practices; mentor junior CI practitioners by reviewing work products and sharing best practices.
- Present project findings, recommendations, risks, and results to site stakeholders through clear reports, dashboards, and presentations.
- Champion a safety-first approach by ensuring improvement activities consider ergonomics, risk reduction, quality, and productivity.
- Support new product and process introductions by incorporating Lean principles into work-cell layout, flow, standard work, and performance measurement.
WHAT WE SEEK
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related technical field, with a minimum of 5 years of related experience; or a master's degree with 3+ years of related experience; or equivalent experience.
- Established continuous improvement experience within a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated use of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, A3, and/or DMAIC methods.
- Strong analytical skills and experience translating data into practical recommendations and measurable improvements; proficiency with SPC and process capability analysis strongly desired.
- Experience facilitating cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
- Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools such as 5S, standard work, visual management, value stream mapping, TPM, SMED, Kanban, and root-cause analysis.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
- Experience with Minitab or equivalent statistical software, ERP/MES systems, and advanced Excel analysis; experience developing dashboards is preferred.
- Exposure to injection molding, precision machining, mechanical assembly, or other tolerance-critical manufacturing processes is preferred.
- Ability to communicate complex operational and analytical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong project management, facilitation, change-management, and problem-solving skills.
WHY WORK AT ENTEGRIS?
Lead. Inspire. Innovate. Define Your Future.
Not everyone who works for a global company shares the same background, experiences and perspectives. We leverage the differences of our employees to bring new ideas to the table. Every employee throughout the company is encouraged to share input on projects and initiatives. Our decision-making process is truly a collaborative effort as we realize there are leaders at every level of the organization. We put our values at the core of how we operate as an organization — not just when it’s convenient, but in a lasting and meaningful way. We want the time and energy you spend here to have a positive impact on your life inside and outside of the office.
WHAT WE OFFER
Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you’re looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.
- Compensation: $81,000- $110,000 per year range with actual pay dependent on candidate overall skills for the role
- Annual bonus eligibility
- Progressive paid time off policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge
- Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match with no delayed vesting
- Excellent health, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs
- Education assistance to support your learning journey
- A values-driven culture with colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence
Entegris does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need Entegris immigration sponsorship (e.g., H1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) now or in the future.
At Entegris we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, and reward employees for their individual abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital or military status.
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