Continuous Improvement

About Us:

Spectrum Killian Dental Lab Alliance (SKDLA) is a nationally recognized leader in restorative dentistry, passionate about helping people smile with confidence. We partner with dental professionals across the country to deliver world-class restorations, advanced dental equipment, and trusted services that make a difference for patients every day.

At SKDLA, we combine craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and a deep commitment to quality to create beautiful, lasting results. More than just a dental lab, we are driven by the belief that every restoration represents a person's confidence, comfort, and well-being - and that's a responsibility we take to heart.

Our operations are centered around two advanced Centers of Excellence located in Orange County and Los Angeles. This collaborative environment allows our skilled technicians to innovate, mentor one another, and consistently deliver outstanding results.

Overview:

The
Process & Continuous Improvement Engineer

is responsible for analyzing, standardizing, and improving manufacturing and business processes to enhance flow, efficiency, and quality. This role is highly hands-on—working closely with operations, engineering, and quality to map processes, perform time studies, eliminate waste, and implement sustainable improvements. 

The ideal candidate combines analytical depth, facilitation skills, and a passion for engaging teams in continuous improvement.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

Process Analysis & Optimization

• Lead process mapping, value stream mapping, and flow analysis to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct time studies, work sampling, and line balancing to establish standards and improve productivity.
• Design and implement single-piece flow, takt time alignment, and standard work to improve reliability and reduce variation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering to optimize facility layouts, equipment utilization, and work cell design.

Continuous Improvement System

• Support deployment of the company's Operational Excellence framework, driving measurable improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Facilitate kaizen events, PDCA cycles, and problem-solving workshops to engage employees in improvement.
• Use structured methodologies (DMAIC, A3, 8D) to diagnose root causes and drive sustainable corrective actions.
• Maintain performance visibility through SQDIP boards, KPI dashboards, and daily management systems.

Training & Engagement

• Train and coach team members in Lean manufacturing principles (5S, waste reduction, visual management, standard work).
• Partner with leaders and operators to develop improvement ideas, document standard work, and sustain gains.
• Help build a culture of continuous improvement where every employee is a problem solver.

Project Management

• Plan and execute improvement and capital projects, ensuring alignment with business goals and metrics.
• Track progress using visual project tracking and communicate results through concise, data-driven reporting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support new product introduction (NPI), scaling processes for production readiness.

Who We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in process engineering, industrial engineering, or continuous improvement roles.
• Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, value stream mapping, and time study techniques.
• Proven experience leading kaizen events and facilitating team-based improvement initiatives.
• Hands-on ability to collect and analyze process data and implement changes on the production floor.
• Proficiency in project management, documentation, and structured problem-solving (PDCA, DMAIC, or A3).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent certification, preferred.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (FDA, ISO 13485, AS9100, or similar), preferred.
• Familiarity with process validation, capability studies (Cp/Cpk), and statistical analysis tools, preferred.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and coaching skills to drive engagement and cultural change, preferred.

Why SKDLA?

• Inclusive Environment:

We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming workplace for individuals of all backgrounds.
- Career Growth:

Spectrum Killian is growing rapidly, offering new opportunities to advance within the company and across promoting internal mobility.
- Compensation and Benefits:

We provide competitive pay and upon conversion to full-time status, employees are eligible to enroll in comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- 401K:

Full-time employees are also eligible to participate in the company's 401(k) plan with an employer match.

Spectrum Killian Dental Lab Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

The anticipated salary range for this role is $90,000-$110,000. Final compensation will be individually assessed and may differ based on a variety of factors such as your experience, qualifications, education, skill set, certifications, and other relevant considerations.

Become part of Spectrum Killian Dental Lab Alliance, a trusted leader in restorative and esthetic dentistry. Work alongside skilled technicians in state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high-quality dental solutions that make a lasting impact. If you're driven by innovation, quality, and continuous growth, we invite you to apply and contribute to the future of dental care