Lead, Continuous Improvement Engineer

THE ROLE

Our manufacturing site in Chaska, MN is seeking a new Lead, Continuous Improvement Engineer to join our team. In this role, the new hire will

drive operational excellence across a multi-process manufacturing site combining injection molding, high-precision CNC machining, and manual/automated assembly. This role owns the site's continuous improvement roadmap end to end — identifying opportunities, leading cross-functional kaizen and Six Sigma projects, and institutionalizing lean systems (5S, standard work, TPM, SMED, value stream mapping) that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC).

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead site-wide continuous improvement strategy across injection molding, precision machining, and assembly value streams, aligning CI priorities with plant and regional business objectives.

• Own and mature the site's lean management system: 5S, visual management, standard work, TPM, SMED, error-proofing (poka-yoke), and daily management/tiered accountability boards.

• Plan and lead Kaizen events, DMAIC/Six Sigma projects, and rapid problem-solving (A3, 8D, 5-Why, fishbone) to close gaps in scrap, cycle time, OEE, first-pass yield, and on-time delivery.

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to optimize injection molding process parameters (cycle time, cooling, hot runner performance) and CNC/precision machining processes (tolerance capability, tool life, setup reduction).

• Drive OEE and downtime-reduction programs on molding presses, CNC machining centers, and assembly lines through data analysis, root-cause elimination, and preventive/predictive maintenance collaboration.

• Use statistical tools (SPC, Cpk/Ppk, capability studies, DOE) to reduce process variation and support PPAP/APQP activities for new and existing programs.

• Build, mentor, and lead a team of CI engineers and technicians; develop their technical and leadership capability as a bench for future CI and operations roles.

• Own the site's CI project pipeline and savings tracking, reporting productivity, cost-reduction, and quality improvement results to plant and regional leadership.

• Lead capital project scoping and justification (ROI/payback) for automation, tooling, and equipment upgrades in molding, machining, and assembly.

• Support new product/program launches by embedding CI principles into line design, work cell layout, and standard work from the outset.

• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring CI initiatives improve ergonomics and reduce injury risk alongside productivity gains.

• Serve as a change agent and coach for plant leadership, supervisors, and operators, building a self-sustaining culture of continuous improvement.

   

WHAT WE SEEK

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field required; advanced degree (MBA or MS in Engineering/Operations) preferred

• Experience: 7–10+ years of progressive manufacturing/CI experience, with direct exposure to injection molding and precision machining environments; prior experience leading teams and CI projects at a plant level required.

• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt required (Master Black Belt a plus); formal 5S/TPM training preferred.

• Deep working knowledge of injection molding fundamentals (materials, tooling, process setup, scientific molding) and high-precision machining (CNC programming basics, GD&T, metrology/CMM).

• Proven track record applying lean and Six Sigma tools to deliver measurable SQDC results in a regulated or tolerance-critical manufacturing environment.

• Strong financial acumen — able to build business cases, track project ROI, and speak fluently to cost-per-part, labor efficiency, and capital payback.

• Demonstrated people-leadership ability: coaching, mentoring, and developing engineers and technicians, with the executive presence to influence plant and regional leadership.

• Proficiency with data and CI tooling (Minitab or equivalent statistical software, ERP/MES systems, Excel-based analysis); comfort building dashboards to report results.

• Excellent communication and project management skills; able to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.

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: $108,000- $135,000 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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