Quality Assurance Engineer
Job Description
MetFab Engineering, Inc. is currently seeking a full-time Continuous Improvement Manager to lead the continuous improvement program across manufacturing operations, using Lean and Six Sigma methods to deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, on-time delivery, productivity, and cost. Working closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and the leadership team, this role identifies and removes waste, standardizes and stabilizes processes, and builds the problem-solving skills and daily habits that sustain a culture of continuous improvement on the shop floor. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in manufacturing operations, engineering, quality systems, and process improvement methodologies.
Job Requirements
Continuous Improvement Leadership
- Own the site continuous improvement roadmap, prioritizing projects by safety, customer, and financial impact in alignment with the General Manager.
- Plan and lead Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and 5S initiatives from preparation through follow-up and sustainment.
- Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools such as standard work, setup reduction (SMED), visual management, and statistical analysis to reduce waste, variation, and lead time.
- Develop, implement, and audit standardized work instructions and process controls.
- Lead structured root cause analysis (5 Whys, fishbone, 8D) for recurring operational issues and verify that corrective actions are effective and sustained.
Team Leadership and Development
- Supervise, coach, and develop assigned continuous improvement staff and cross-functional project team members.
- Train employees at all levels in Lean principles and problem-solving tools to build lasting internal improvement capability.
- Encourage employee engagement through improvement suggestion programs and recognition of results.
Operational Performance and Metrics
- Establish, track, and report key performance indicators (KPIs), including:
- Safety
- Quality (first-pass yield, internal defects, customer returns)
- On-Time Delivery
- Productivity and labor efficiency
- Scrap and Rework
- Cost reduction and documented savings
- Build visual management boards and dashboards, and lead regular performance reviews with production teams.
- Analyze operational data to identify performance gaps and develop action plans with clear owners and timelines.
- Quantify and report the operational and financial impact of improvement projects.
Quality and Engineering Collaboration
- Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to improve process capability and product quality.
- Support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities and internal and customer audit readiness.
- Support process validation, error-proofing (poka-yoke), and quality management system improvements.
- Ensure manufacturing processes are robust, repeatable, and capable.
Strategic Improvement Initiatives
- Manage cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, including scope, schedule, budget, and results.
- Support business growth through capacity planning, layout optimization, and evaluation of equipment and automation investments.
- Assist leadership with strategic planning, operational reviews, and setting annual improvement targets.
- Identify, standardize, and share best practices across departments.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, engineering, quality, or continuous improvement leadership.
- Hands-on experience in a sheet metal fabrication, welding, assembly, or contract manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated success leading Lean or continuous improvement projects with measurable results in safety, quality, delivery, or cost.
- Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools.
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to collect, analyze, and present operational data.
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and influence people at all levels, from the shop floor to senior leadership.
- Excellent communication and project management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- Prior experience supervising or leading a team.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems; JobBOSS (JobBOSS²) experience strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality management systems, including internal audits.
- Experience developing KPI dashboards, reporting tools, and operational metrics.
Physical Demands/Work Environment
- Approximately 50% office environment and 50% manufacturing floor presence.
- Ability to stand and walk on the production floor for extended periods.
- Exposure to moderate noise levels, moving machinery, forklifts, and industrial equipment within production areas; required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn and all site safety rules followed.
- Frequent interaction with production teams while supporting improvement initiatives and process audits.
Benefits
M. Braun offers an excellent benefits package which includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401K, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
M. Braun encourages work / life balance through a flexible work schedule, a 38 hour work week, and the ability to work 2 days remotely if you choose (once trained)!
M. Braun provides Paid Time Off, Holidays, Floating Holidays and Volunteer Time to employees.
M. Braun provides a Gas Assistance Program which provides $1,125.00 annually to cover gas to and from work!
Additional perks include company outings, monthly raffles, pizza days, and more!