Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist

WHO ARE WE

Sonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, we are dedicated to making air and space travel safe and sustainable. We have 13 locations across North America and our engineering expertise and operational excellence set us apart from the competition.

Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and services that are reliable, safe, and efficient. Our team of experts is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the aerospace and defense industry, utilizing the latest technologies and processes to ensure that we deliver the best possible solutions to our customers.

POSITION SUMMARY

With minimal supervision, the Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist is responsible for facilitating the development, evaluation and improvement of business and manufacturing processes, methodologies, tools and leadership techniques at their assigned site(s). This role will also support strategic, operational and financial objectives at the assigned site(s) while supporting growth and expansion projects. This will be accomplished through the implementation of Lean methodologies, tools and leadership techniques.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership and support to site CI initiatives and the mentoring of site Lean Coordinator and/or other site personnel. Conduct CI training and facilitate events and improvement teams as needed.
• Ensure all CI events/activities have documented project scopes, performance goals (deliverables) and metrics developed as well as an implementation and reinforcement plan.
• Partner with assigned Aerostructures COE VP and/or CI Director, Managers and Coordinators on continuous improvement and reduction of waste in their Value Streams and/or manufacturing processes. This may include research and development to include tool design, evaluation of equipment, developing manufacturing processes for potential new work and other projects as needed.
• On occasion may be required to travel to and support other Lean/CI projects and/or multi-site initiatives within their assigned COE or multi-site Value Stream.
• Collaborate with General Manager to implement improvements to obtain and sustain customer and/or Sonaca North America specific certification programs.
• Facilitate the transformation of administrative processes at their assigned Sonaca North America site.
• Work with CI Director, other Managers and Corporate Training Department to develop and direct the training of CI Leaders.
• Facilitate the development of highly effective self-managed work teams motivating them towards a higher level of involvement and understanding.
• Provide strong leadership to project, departmental and site teams. Set communication and behavioral standards for teams by demonstrating desired behaviors through personal interactions and mentoring.
• Ensure follow-up to improvement projects through working with assigned GM, CI Steering team and Lean Coordinators on project results, Transformation Maps, Gap Assessments and their alignment with corporate goals and strategies.
• Work with CI Director, other Corporate CI Managers and site Lean Coordinators to create a format for sharing Best Practices company wide.
• Monitor performance metrics at all levels of the assigned Sonaca North America site and foster a problem solving culture.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting to CI Director, Corporate Department Managers and site management on pending and completed projects.
• Maintain involvement in outside CI/Lean Organizations, read CI/Lean publications, training materials and attend workshops to learn and share knowledge within the industry.
• Assist with special projects and participate on other teams as requested.

Travel Required

Yes, 25% of the time

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCES

• Manufacturing, Industrial or Mechanical Engineering degree is preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in CI/Lean Methodologies and Applications or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience developing communication plans and tools to lead change management is helpful.
• Excellent PC skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, Visio, CAD and other manufacturing related software.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with multiple priorities and shifting time requirements. Must be able to promote a participative, team oriented environment, working with customers (both internal and external), all employees, vendors and others in a professional and respectful manner.
• Excellent communication skills and be able to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical materials and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, work instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, employees and vendors.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to compile and present data in a format that facilitates information sharing and decision making.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, accounting and financial calculations and projections. Ability to produce and interpret financial reports in graph and diagram form.
• The employee must be able to work on the manufacturing floor as required to interact with employees, customers and suppliers to review manufacturing and quality processes. The employee also will work in the plant to collect data, investigate and solve problems.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Noise levels ranging from quiet to extremely loud
• Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working on the manufacturing floor including, but not limited to, eye, ear, and foot protection
• May occasionally lift and /or move up to 10-50 pounds

WHY CHOOSE SONACA NORTH AMERICA?

We take care of our people.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a percentage company-match contribution
• Competitive wages
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental insurance
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Employee assistance plan - for access to counseling, consulting and other community resources
• Wellness program
• Tuition assistance
• Subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions

This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be required. This document does not create an employment contract. Employees of the Company are employed on an "at will" basis and may be terminated at any time.

Sonaca North America is an equal employment opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, Sonaca North America provides access and opportunities to those with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who seek to access the company's online application system. If an applicant is unable to fully access the online application system, Sonaca North America will provide a reasonable accommodation. Applicants with disabilities may contact us at for assistance accessing the on-line application system. Callers should have a detailed description of the requested accommodation, their name and preferred method of contact ready for Sonaca North America's Human Resources Department. Sonaca North America will make every effort to respond within two (2) business days. This phone number is not for the general submission of application materials.

Sonaca North America is an E-Verify Employer.

Sonaca North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Disability/Veterans Employer

NOTICE ON FRAUDULENT JOB OFFERS

It has been brought to our attention that there have been instances of fraudulent job offers, purporting to be from Sonaca North America and/or its affiliates ("LMI Aerospace").

This type of fraud is normally carried out through online services such as false websites, or through fake e-mails or call from people claiming to be from the company. These persons offer fraudulent employment opportunities to applicants and often ask for sensitive personal and financial information. The fraudsters may also request recipients to provide personal information and/or to make payments as part of their fake recruiting process.

Sonaca North America does not ask for any financial commitments from candidates as a pre-employment requirement and will always require candidates to formally apply for positions via the Careers Page or job postings.

Sonaca North America has no responsibility for fraudulent offers and if you believe you have been a victim of a fraudulent job offer concerning Sonaca North America, please email -