Continuous Improvement Engineer (Engineering)

CooperVision, a division of CooperCompanies (NYSE:COO), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses. The Company produces a full array of daily disposable, two-week and monthly contact lenses, all featuring advanced materials and optics. CooperVision has a strong heritage of solving the toughest vision challenges such as astigmatism, presbyopia and childhood myopia; and offers the most complete collection of spherical, toric and multifocal products available. Through a combination of innovative products and focused practitioner support, the company brings a refreshing perspective to the marketplace, creating real advantages for customers and wearers. For more information, visit www.coopervision.com

Scope:
Responsible for leading multiple high-impact process improvement projects by applying lean manufacturing and industrial engineering principles in a high mix / low volume operation with complex labor, material, and information flows at CooperVision's Packaging and Distribution center. Using Value Stream Maps and other lean tools, identifies and prioritizes waste elimination projects to improve cost, service levels, cycle time, quality, and safety. Lead Kaizen projects engaging all levels and functions of the business.
Job Summary:

Leads engineering projects focused on improving processes to increase capacity, improve quality, and reduce costs and improving service levels to the customer.  Applies lean and six sigma methods to pursue process improvements using a DMAIC framework.  Leads the collection and analysis of pertinent data by interfacing with existing business and engineering systems teams as well as defining project specific metrics and measurement methods. Supports process and product validations to assure compliance with company specifications, internal quality systems and external regulations (FDA/ISO).  Provides input to management to support the development and application of current/new business processes.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:
1.Utilizes a wide range of Industrial Engineering, Lean, and Six Sigma tools and techniques to identify, evaluate and implement process improvements.  
2.Collaborates with operations teams to identify potential improvement projects, assess feasibility, perform cost analysis, and return on investment (ROI) calculations, and implement solutions.
3.Effectively leads and/or assists on projects with a focus on improving customer satisfaction, reducing costs, and improving quality.
4.Drive cost savings efforts through cycle time decreases, transactional opportunities, setup reduction, etc.
5.Lead or participate in Kaizen improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
6.Share knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma tools to improve organization's ability to continuously improve.
7.Report on project status and follow-up to all levels of management.
8.Leads engineering changes, writes Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), and documents changes appropriately in electronic Quality Management System (eQMS).
9.Creates and executes engineering studies and performs accompanying data analysis.
10.Implements mistake-proofing controls to maintain or improve process quality.
11.Conducts and documents root causes analysis to address specific process, equipment, material, or quality problems.
12.Assists in investigating instances of nonconformance and facilitates the determination of root cause and corrective/preventative action.
13.Designs facility layout alternatives, seeking to optimize space and flow.
14.Develops SOP's, work instructions, and other quick reference material as needed.
15.Actively seeks technology solutions that will positively impact capacity, efficiency, quality, and cost.
16.Leads and/or assists on equipment purchases and redesigns, including developing User Requirements Specifications (URS), conducting Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT and SAT), and coordinating activities with vendors.
17.Assists in defining and measuring “Key Performance Indicators” for the facility.
18.Perform additional duties as requested.

CooperVision's management team is committed to the development of and implementation of the quality management system and maintaining its effectiveness by communicating to the organization the importance of meeting customer as well as statutory and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
•Six Sigma Green or Black Belt.
•Solid understanding of lean, industrial engineering and continuous improvement principles.
•Strong math, analytical and problem-solving skills.
•Be highly organized and diligent with follow-through.
•Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently without losing efficiency.
•Be capable of working independently as well as in a team environment.
•Possess excellent written and verbal communication, solid presentation and facilitation skills.
•Technical competencies in Lean, Kaizen, and process and project management.
•Working knowledge of quality management principles and FDA regulations.
•Working knowledge of business systems WMS, ERP, eQMS, etc.
•Follows Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
•Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, including Excel, Project, and Visio.  Familiarity with AutoCAD is desirable.
•Present a collaborative, professional and positive presence while interfacing with multiple roles within the CooperVision organization.

Work Environment:
•Normal warehouse and office environment with some exposure to dust, heat and cold.
•Must be willing to travel as needed (1-2 times annually). 

Experience: 
•Minimum 2-5 years of relevant working experience.
•Demonstrated experience in hands-on practical use of Lean principles, methods, and tools to eliminate waste, improve productivity, increase customer value, and reduce costs.
•Distribution and packaging experience preferred.

Education:
•Bachelor's degree in an engineering field is required (industrial or manufacturing engineering strongly preferred)
•Master's degree is a plus
•Six Sigma Green or Black Belt.