Continuous Improvement Engineer

Spectra-Physics, Ophir, Newport and ESI are brands within the MKS Instruments Photonics Solutions division. We provide a full range of solutions including lasers for precision industrial and scientific research applications, laser and LED measurement, beam profiling, precision motion control, optical tables and vibration isolation systems, photonics instruments, temperature sensing, opto-mechanical components, optical elements, and systems for flexible PCB laser processing, high-speed MLCC testing, and CO2-laser-based systems HDI PCB and IC substrate manufacturing. MKS Photonics Solutions enhance our customers' capabilities and productivity in the semiconductor, advanced electronics and specialty industrial markets.
We are looking for an exceptional Continuous Improvement Engineerwho can develop methods of improving our efficiencies by reducing waste in the value stream. This is a high impact position with visibility to Senior Leadership, critical to the success of our growing organization. The ideal candidate will possess the knowledge and tools necessary to work cross functionally, identifying areas to improve within our manufacturing and business processes. This candidate is a practitioner of lean manufacturing and has a demonstrated history of implementation. The ideal candidate will...

• Proactively identify areas for process and operational improvements, offering recommendations and driving initiatives to optimize ERP usage
• Utilize tools such as value stream mapping, FMEA (or similar), capacity modelling and analyses to develop a deep understanding of the situation, and to form a comprehensive problem statement and scope
• Understand production cell inputs and outputs and develop methods for continually monitoring them.
• Implement action plans for unfavorable process trends
• Foster an all-inclusive culture of lean, accountability and improvement
• Mentor all levels of the organization to understand and participate in kaizen, using tools such as value stream mapping, standardized work/combination sheets, poke-yoke, and capacity modeling
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success of improvements made
• Able to maintain project schedules (kaizen newspapers) and drive them to completion
• Work with manufacturing and quality engineers in creating accurate time/labor standards and planned yield.

What will you bring to the team, along with your curiosity is:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering is preferred
• 2-5 years of Continuous Improvement experience
• Knowledge of optics a plus
• Experience in Kaizen leadership
• Prior experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC) in manufacturing work cells and production areas
• Competencies to conduct financial analyses recording the time spent on Continuous Improvement to prioritize and justify projects, determine cost savings, and validate savings, post-implementation
• Abilities to develop others at all levels in the Continuous Improvement/Lean/Process standardization mindset
• Understanding of the cultural nuances associated with change management and the Continuous Improvement cycle

Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $60,200 to 111,800 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
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