Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Engineer Job Description
This role offers hands-on experience in manufacturing operations and continuous improvement within a medical device environment. The Continuous Improvement Engineer supports operational excellence and manufacturing optimization by applying analytical thinking, Lean problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making with regular engagement on the production floor. The position involves close collaboration with operations leadership and production employees to drive business excellence initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Responsibilities
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost within manufacturing operations.
- Analyze manufacturing processes, material flow, labor utilization, capacity, and performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities and recommend data-driven solutions.
- Conduct time studies and detailed process analysis to understand current performance and quantify potential efficiency gains.
- Perform root cause analysis on process and quality issues, develop recommendations, and support implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
- Facilitate Lean activities including 5S, visual management, standard work development, and Kaizen events to improve workplace organization and process efficiency.
- Partner with cross-functional teams and all departments to improve site-to-site consistency, performance dashboards, process documentation, and change management initiatives.
- Support facility design and layout optimization, including material flow improvements, to enhance safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
- Prepare and deliver reports and presentations that summarize findings, results, and proposed next steps for continuous improvement projects.
- Participate in meetings with operations leadership and production teams to review project status, share insights, and align on improvement priorities.
- Own and lead at least one improvement project within the first 90 days, including scoping, analysis, implementation support, and presentation of outcomes.
- Contribute to productivity improvement projects by identifying bottlenecks, proposing solutions, and supporting implementation on the production floor.
- Assist in maintaining and improving performance dashboards and metrics to monitor progress and sustain gains from improvement initiatives.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred.
- 02 years of experience in manufacturing operations, industrial engineering, or continuous improvement.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and process improvement methodologies.
- Experience or familiarity with structured problem-solving approaches and root cause analysis.
- Ability to work with data and performance metrics to support data-driven decision-making.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to perform time studies, analyze processes, and interpret quantitative data.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to present findings and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated collaboration skills and ability to partner with operations leadership and production employees.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Self-motivated and quick learner who can take ownership of projects and drive them to completion.
- Local candidates are strongly preferred for effective on-site collaboration.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Interest in gaining hands-on experience in a medical device manufacturing environment.
- Experience supporting continuous improvement, efficiency, and layout optimization projects.
- Comfort presenting reports, findings, and recommendations to various stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively with all departments and production teams to build alignment around improvement initiatives.
- Willingness to travel occasionally to nearby sites and potentially international locations to support site-to-site consistency and improvement projects.
Work Environment
This is an on-site role based in Plymouth, MN, within a medical device manufacturing facility. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, providing a regular daytime shift. The work is predominantly project-focused, with approximately 80% of time spent on project work such as time studies, analysis, reports, and layout optimization, and about 20% on meetings and other activities. The environment involves regular presence on the production floor, collaboration with all departments and production teams, and engagement in Lean activities like 5S, visual management, and standard work. Some travel is required, including occasional trips to a nearby site in Minnetonka and potentially to a facility in Costa Rica to support site-to-site consistency and continuous improvement initiatives. Dress code typically aligns with a professional manufacturing setting, including appropriate attire and any required safety or cleanroom-related gear as dictated by medical device manufacturing standards.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Plymouth, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $34.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Plymouth, MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Plymouth,MN. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
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Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
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