Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $4B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer to join our team inDuncan, SC.

The CI Engineer will utilize expertise in lean principles and industrial engineering concepts to optimize process workflow and eliminate non-value added effort. The position drives results- oriented performance improvement initiatives using proven Lean/IE methods.

The CI Engineer identifies key opportunities and gaps in the core business systems & manufacturing processes; aligns with other key participants, and leverages improvement methods, tools and techniques to eliminate waste (including costs). This position requires a balance between strategic thinking and tactical implementation, and the ability to analyze critical performance data to drive improvement.

This role serves as a key link between site operations and the AME (AFL Manufacturing Excellence) system, ensuring improvement efforts are aligned with Operational Excellence pillars, standardized methodologies, and enterprise strategic objectives. The position combines Industrial Engineering principles, Lean methodologies, data analytics, and change management to deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and workforce engagement.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the creation and implementation of AFL Manufacturing Excellence system (AME) of best practices to drive Lean vision, strategy, and policies.
• Model, teach and implement lean and continuous improvement techniques such as: 6S, standardized work, Value Stream Mapping, continuous flow, problem solving, lead- time reduction, set-up time reduction/SMED, and process flow improvement.
• Improve Visual factory supporting the daily management system, providing real time progress information for operators and routine review and response processes.
• Assist manufacturing team in identifying and eliminating the 8 wastes: Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Not Involving Employees, Transportation, Inventory, Motion, and Over-Processing.
• Plan and execute successful Kaizen activities that are educational, fun and engaging which encourage others to want to improve.
• Develop analytical tools and reports, determine process performance baselines, maintain process performance measurements, and statistically analyze metrics to identify areas for process.
• Identify opportunities, define and financially justify projects, facilitate project teams, and manage team activities (using good project management skills).
• Manage Monthly Net Productivity data collection and reporting, collaborating with Finance partners for validation.
• Maintain and improve OEE systems (AFL Manufacturing Optimization).
• Deploy strong capabilities in facilitation, influence, and follow up with cross functional teams.
• Input and hold responsibility for lean manufacturing.
• Implement and support cultural change across the organization and drive business growth.
• Ensure that the function operates in accordance with any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (IE preferred)
• Demonstrated solid performer with 5+ years of manufacturing experience, cable manufacturing a plus.
• Solid grasp and practical implementation of Industrial Engineering concepts.
• Lean manufacturing experience and expertise.
• Six Sigma Certification not required, but preferred.
• Background in people management and project management.
• Experienced user of MS Outlook and Office with intermediate or high Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of Minitab or other statistical software is a plus.
• Knowledge of Solidworks is a plus.
• Practical understanding of EHS and quality.
• Membership of an industry related professional body would be advantageous.
• No pending, active, or a repetitive history of disciplinary action.
• Dependable with exceptional attendance.

Personal Qualities

• The position requires an ability to collaborate and communicate with cross-functional leaders.
• Safety oriented with a solid understanding of manufacturing processes (preferably cable).
• Strong facilitation and leadership skills.
• Ability to lead a variety of cross-functional team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication (listening, verbal, and written) skills; comfortable presenting information in a team setting; able to interact at all levels of the organization.
• Comfortable using math and statistical methods to analyze problems and make recommendations or decisions.
• Solid organization and time-management skills with the ability to set and achieve daily objectives with limited supervision. Biased towards action and results in order to achieve goals.
• Self-directed with little need for direct oversight on a continuous.
• Potential to grow into positions of increasing responsibility based on results and capabilities.
• Results oriented.
• Commercially and financially aware.