Continuous Improvement Engineer (Contract)

Employer: JFE Shoji Power Canada Inc
Position:  Continuous Improvement Engineer
Terms of Employment:  Contract
Location:  Burlington, Ontario
Language:  English
Vacancy:  Please note that this posting is for an existing role.
Salary: $110,000 to $125,000 CAD / year (dependent on experience)

About Us

JFE Shoji Power Canada (JSC) is an electrical steel products manufacturer located in Burlington, Ontario. As the largest producer of transformer cores in North America, JSC specializes in wound, amorphous, and step-lap cores for power generation and distribution equipment. Its electrical steel products and magnetic materials are also used in electric vehicle motors and charging station infrastructure, data centres, audio equipment, and other industrial applications.

Since 1972, JSC (formerly Cogent) has grown from a small niche manufacturer to an integral part of the North American electrical steel supply chain with multiple facilities and over 500 employees. JSC is dedicated to meeting the growing demand for electrical energy by providing strategic, innovative, and sustainable solutions to its clients.

For more information about JFE Shoji Power Canada, please visit us 

What Sets Us Apart?

At JFE Shoji Power Canada, we are more than just a company—we are a community that embraces safety. We have a proactive safety attitude where every team member is empowered to care for each other and take responsibility for keeping everyone safe. By embodying the  ICare principles, we ensure that safety is not just a priority but a core value of our culture. Each employee plays an essential role in shaping a workplace where safety is embedded in every action we take, and where incidents are prevented before they happen.

Role Overview

This role will play a key role in driving continuous improvement across all aspects of the manufacturing process, focusing on enhancing efficiency, quality, and safety. The Operational Improvement Engineer will collaborate closely with production teams, engineering, and management to identify areas of opportunity and implement solutions that streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase overall productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Optimization:

• Analyze and improve manufacturing processes, workflows, and production schedules to optimize efficiency and output.
• Identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement within production and supply chain processes.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce cycle times, improve throughput, and enhance product quality.

Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma:

• Lead and support the implementation of Lean and Six Sigma principles across manufacturing operations.
• Conduct Kaizen events, 5S, and other continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate waste and standardize best practices.
• Monitor performance indicators to ensure operational improvements are achieved and sustained.

Data-Driven Analysis:

• Use ignition and other sources of machine data identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Provide insights and recommendations for process adjustments based on data analysis and root cause analysis (RCA).o
• Use statistical tools and software to measure and monitor key operational metrics (e.g., OEE, yield, downtime, etc.).

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Hold weekly cross-functional team meetings to drive improvement activities based off machine truth
• Assign action owners within cross functional teams and escalate to management when commitment dates are not met
• Work closely with operations, production, quality control, maintenance, and engineering teams to ensure process improvements are well-coordinated and executed.
• Provide technical support and training to operators and team members on new processes or procedures.
• Assist in troubleshooting production issues and developing corrective actions.

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure that improvements are implemented with full consideration of health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Contribute to the development and enforcement of safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Ensure that all operational improvements comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Project Management:

• Lead improvement projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery, cost-effectiveness, and successful implementation.
• Monitor project progress, adjust plans as necessary, and communicate updates to stakeholders.

Training and Development:

• Train production personnel on new processes, equipment, or technologies as part of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions to guide best practices.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in process improvement or operations engineering, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in transformer core manufacturing or related industries (e.g., electrical, automotive, metalworking) is highly preferred.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt certification is a plus).
• Proficiency in using process simulation, statistical analysis software, and data collection tools (e.g., Minitab, Excel, Power BI).
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to perform root cause analysis (RCA).
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with various teams and present findings to senior management.
• Knowledge of safety and environmental regulations in a manufacturing setting.

Working Conditions:

• On-site in Burlington, Ontario
• Occasional travel may be required for project implementation or training.
• Ability to work in a factory environment, including exposure to machinery and manufacturing processes.