Continuous Improvement - Quality Engineer

About Us: 

How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 180 years?! 

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team! 

Location: This position is located in Maple Grove, MN. M-Friday onsite.

What’s the role?  

The unique Continuous Improvement - Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring product and process quality through the application of Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies. This role drives defect reduction, process efficiency, and operational excellence while maintaining compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS).

As a member of the IQS Quality Team, this position collaborates closely with the IMT Product Center to implement process improvements, Lean initiatives, standard work, and process documentation. The role supports root cause analysis, 6S enhancements, value stream mapping, and cross-functional initiatives to deliver measurable operational excellence results aligned with business priorities.

Sound Interesting?  

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Lead and drive cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies (e.g., 6S, VSM, DMAIC, PDCA) to eliminate waste and improve operational efficiency.

• Develop and implement process improvements, including process flow mapping, standard work, and cost reduction initiatives.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Global Lean Team to align and deploy standardized Lean methodologies and best practices.

• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to closure.

• Collaborate and develop strong relationships with manufacturing, warehouse, procurement, quality, and production staff members and leaders to devise and implement continuous improvement strategies, while fostering a culture of ongoing process enhancement through best practices and tools.

• Provide training sessions and hands-on support to employees on continuous improvement, Lean tools, methodologies, and initiatives. 

• Conduct 6S audits, internal ISO audits, and process confirmation audits.  Monitor the results for conformance, broadly communicate audit results, and drive findings to closure within required timeframe.

• Effectively communicate and engage in a wide range of ZEISS leadership levels, provides regular reporting and tracking of continuous improvement initiative performance, progress and effectiveness.

• Support development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the QMS (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 17025) system.

• Assists in Quality Management System activities to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

• Perform other duties as directed by Management.

Do you qualify?  

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.

• 3–5 years of experience in Quality Engineering or Continuous Improvement, with demonstrated expertise in Lean principles, process improvement, and problem-solving methodologies.

• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with continuous improvement tools (6S, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Kamishibai, etc.).

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional process improvement projects.

• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001 preferred; ISO 14001/17025 a plus).

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels.

The annual pay range for this position is $66,000 – $83,000 and eligible for a performance bonus.

The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS! 

• Medical 

• Vision 

• Dental 

• 401k Matching 

• Employee Assistance Programs 

• Vacation and sick pay 

• The list goes on! 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of requirements, duties, or responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to interpret, amend, or otherwise modify, in whole or in part, any job description at any time, at its sole discretion.

Keywords: Data-driven, Hands on, CI or Continuous Improvement, #LEAN, troubleshoot, process improvement.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Holly Greenwood-Mosher

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).