Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer

At IEM, we’re not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we’re shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world’s most dynamic markets.

Reports To: Continuous Improvement Manager

At IEM, we’re not just growing – we're thriving! Our rapid expansion means new opportunities are always on the horizon. If you’re someone who gets excited by making an impact through interesting challenges, you’ll feel right at home.

Purpose of the Position:

IEM is currently seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer for our Surrey, B.C. locations and will report to our Continuous Improvement manager. Join our transformation journey as a lean professional supporting kaizen activities, standard work documentation, and data-driven process improvement. This is a hands-on role ideal for candidates with a passion for lean manufacturing and a desire to grow in a structured CI environment.

Please note: This position requires 100% in-office presence in our Surrey offices and does not offer remote work.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Operational Transformation

Schedule, plan, and facilitate kaizen events: line balancing, standard work, Daily Management setup, SMED, 5S, visual management, error-proofing

Conduct value stream mapping and process analysis; develop data-driven improvement roadmaps

Design standard work from the ground up: work sequences, takt time, operator training, visual controls

Establish and audit Daily Management systems; coach leaders on sustainment

Identify systemic barriers to improvement (design gaps, training deficits, leadership behavior) and address them

Drive Root-Cause Problem Solving

Lead systematic problem-solving using PDCA, A3, and 8D methodologies; use data to find real root causes

Analyze production data (cycle time, downtime, quality, labor) to set priorities and measure results

Work cross-functionally (Ops, Process Engineering, Supply Chain) to implement solutions that stick

Track sustainability metrics; conduct post-kaizen audits and investigate deterioration

Build Capability & Culture

Mentor E2 engineers on CI methodologies, kaizen facilitation, and systematic thinking

Coach operations leaders and supervisors on Daily Management discipline and lean problem-solving

Document and standardize best practices; share learnings across teams

Develop and deliver CI training to operations, manufacturing engineering, and leadership

Measure & Sustain Impact

Own improvement roadmap execution; track schedule, budget, and impact metrics

Establish and monitor KPIs: productivity, quality, lead time, cost savings, safety

Present progress in operations reviews and escalate barriers.

Manufacturing floor presence required; spend significant time observing, coaching, facilitating.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, business, operations, or related field.

7–10+ years in manufacturing, operations, or continuous improvement

Led 10+ kaizen events from concept to sustained implementation

Proven success implementing and sustaining Daily Management systems

Demonstrated ability to move production lines from batch toward flow

Technical Skills

Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing: value stream mapping, takt time, line balancing, pull systems, standard work, visual management, 5S.

Proficiency in process improvement methodologies: PDCA, A3 problem solving, 8D, root-cause analysis (5-why), SMED.

Data-driven mindset: comfortable analyzing production metrics, cycle time studies, bottleneck analysis, process capability.

Experience documenting processes and creating visual standards that operators can follow.

Leadership & Mindset

Excellent facilitation and coaching skills; you make others better at problem-solving

Ability to work cross-functionally (Ops, ME, Supply Chain, Quality) without friction

Can navigate disagreement and push back when people want quick fixes instead of root causes

Strong communication: can explain complex problems clearly to frontline workers and executives

Detail-oriented; you follow through and hold teams accountable

Comfort in dynamic, multi-tasking environments; you prioritize and adapt as business needs change

Energizing presence; you build trust and rapport across all levels

Core competencies

Lean Expertise: You can run any type of kaizen; you understand how tools like SMED, 5S, standard work, and visual management connect.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with multiple departments to drive culture of continuous improvement, engagement and business results.

Root Cause Thinking: You don't accept surface answers; you dig into data and ask "why" until you find the real problem.

Systems View: You see connections between processes; you know that fixing one thing might break another.

Data Fluency: You trust data over opinions; you can read a praetor chart, spot a trend, and make a recommendation.

Facilitation: You can draw out the best ideas from a room full of people with different perspectives.

Coaching & Development: You invest in people; your team members grow in capability under your mentorship.

Influence Without Authority: You can move things without a formal decision; you build alignment through respect.

Grit: Improvements are hard; you push through obstacles, learn from setbacks, and keep going.

Success Criteria

Lead 4–6 major Kaizen initiatives/year.

Champion Daily Management

LOCATION & LOGISTICS

100% on-site in Surrey, BC. No remote work.

Manufacturing floor presence required; you'll spend significant time on the shop floor observing, coaching, facilitating.

Occasional travel to support multi-site improvement initiatives.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Compensation ranges from $45.67 - 56.25/hr CAD

Why Join IEM

At IEM, you’ll join a team that powers some of the world’s most ambitious projects. We’re engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.

Learn more about IEM at https://www.iemfg.com

We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers

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