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-proofingConduct value stream mapping and process analysis; develop data-driven improvement roadmapsDesign standard work from the ground up: work sequences, takt time, operator training, visual controlsEstablish and audit Daily Management systems; coach leaders on sustainmentIdentify 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 causesAnalyze production data (cycle time, downtime, quality, labor) to set priorities and measure resultsWork cross-functionally (Ops, Process Engineering, Supply Chain) to implement solutions that stickTrack sustainability metrics; conduct post-kaizen audits and investigate deterioration Build Capability & Culture Mentor E2 engineers on CI methodologies, kaizen facilitation, and systematic thinkingCoach operations leaders and supervisors on Daily Management discipline and lean problem-solvingDocument and standardize best practices; share learnings across teamsDevelop and deliver CI training to operations, manufacturing engineering, and leadership Measure & Sustain Impact Own improvement roadmap execution; track schedule, budget, and impact metricsEstablish and monitor KPIs: productivity, quality, lead time, cost savings, safetyPresent 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 improvementLed 10+ kaizen events from concept to sustained implementationProven success implementing and sustaining Daily Management systemsDemonstrated 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-solvingAbility to work cross-functionally (Ops, ME, Supply Chain, Quality) without frictionCan navigate disagreement and push back when people want quick fixes instead of root causesStrong communication: can explain complex problems clearly to frontline workers and executivesDetail-oriented; you follow through and hold teams accountableComfort in dynamic, multi-tasking environments; you prioritize and adapt as business needs changeEnergizing 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 Recruiting Scams Beware of recruiting scams. IEM never charges candidates fees, and all recruiter emails come from an @iemfg.com address. If you suspect fraudulent activity, do not share personal information and report it to us at iemfg.com/contact Non-Discrimination Statement IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law. Privacy Information collected and processed as part of your IEM Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to IEM's Workforce Member Privacy Policy. Use of AI At IEM, we are committed to a fair and transparent hiring process. Use the link below to view how we use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in reviewing job applications and your rights as an applicant. AI Use in IEM's Hiring Process