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Continuous Improvement Engineer @ Stryker

Ulloa, Costa RicaOnsiteFull-timePosted 14 days ago

Opens on the employer's site

About this role

Work Flexibility: Hybrid

This role leads continuous improvement initiatives through data-driven decision-making, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and digital enablement, identifying and prioritizing opportunities to improve lead time, quality, productivity, and customer experience across complex, regulated operations. Acting as a change agent and technical leader, the Senior Engineer drives structured problem-solving initiatives, leads cross-functional and global improvement programs, and plays a key role in embedding a culture of continuous improvement, standard work, and performance management. The role partners closely with Data & Analytics, Automation, and Business Intelligence (BI) teams to define, develop, and govern KPIs, dashboards, and advanced analytics that sustain performance and support strategic decision-making.

What you will do

Process improvement and execution:

• Lead complex process improvement and standardization initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, DMAIC, PDCA, A3, and Value Stream Mapping.

• Design and facilitate workshops and Kaizen events to drive root cause analysis, waste elimination, and solution design.

• Analyze large and complex operational, quality, and service datasets to identify trends, variability drivers, systemic bottlenecks, and high-impact improvement opportunities.

• Define, develop, and govern KPIs related to lead time, quality, productivity, capacity, and service levels.

• Partner with senior process owners and leadership to design future-state processes, standard work, and control plans.

• Support validation and technology deployment activities from a process robustness and scalability perspective.

• Conduct advanced structured process assessments, capability studies, control plans, and process audits.

• Develop robust project plans, business cases, and executive-level summaries, clearly articulating impact on cost, capacity, service, risk, and strategic alignment.

• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) in continuous improvement and operational excellence across Engineering Services.

Analytics and simulation (developing capability):

• Lead or support the development and use of discrete-event simulation models to analyze flow, capacity, and variability in complex systems.

• Build and validate current-state and future-state simulation scenarios in collaboration with stakeholders.

• Use simulation and analytical outputs to support resource planning, automation justification, network design, and what-if scenario analysis.

• Partner closely with Data & Analytics, Automation, and BI teams to design dashboards, analytics, and performance management tools that drive decision-making.

Training, coaching and capability building:

• Design, prepare, and lead workshops and training sessions on: Lean Six Sigma fundamentals and advanced tools, structured problem-solving (A3, DMAIC, PDCA, Data-driven decision-making and KPI interpretation and process mapping, waste identification, and standard work

• Develop high-quality training materials, templates, and case studies tailored to different audiences (engineering, operations, quality, and business teams).

• Coach and mentor engineers, analysts, and process owners on continuous improvement tools and methodologies.

• Support and strengthen a common continuous improvement language and mindset across teams and sites.

• Serve as an internal consultant and trusted advisor for operational excellence initiatives.

What will you need:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering or Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Modern Manufacturing Processes, or a closely related field.

• Strong expertise in structured problem-solving (DMAIC, PDCA, A3), root cause analysis, statistical methods, and process capability.

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional improvement projects with measurable impact.

• Experience working with operational and quality KPIs and performing advanced data analysis.

• Solid understanding of process flow, variability, capacity, and queuing concepts.

• Ability to independently manage complex projects and influence without formal authority.

• Ability to clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences and leadership.

Prefered:

• Proficiency in Excel and intermediate to advanced knowledge of Power BI or similar BI tools.

• Basic knowledge or academic exposure to process simulation / discrete-event modeling (Arena, SIMUL8, FlexSim, Simio, or equivalent), with willingness to further develop this capability.

• Hands-on experience with simulation tools through professional projects or advanced academic work.

• Knowledge of SQL, Python, or analytical scripting.

• Familiarity with automation, digital workflows, and validation processes.

• Experience leading change management and continuous improvement deployment initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience delivering training, workshops, or facilitation sessions.

• Strong facilitation, presentation, and communication skills.

• Project management or Agile certification (preferred).

Travel Percentage: 10%

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Continuous Improvement Engineer at Stryker | ResuMinder Jobs