Job Title: Continuous Improvement Engineer
Location: Minnetonka, MN 55345
Duration: 7+ Months
Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite
Position Summary
The Continuous Improvement Engineer is a highly visible, people-focused role responsible for driving Operational Excellence (OpEx) initiatives across the site. This position acts as a change agent, working closely with leadership and frontline teams to implement sustainable improvements in 5S, visual management, facility organization, and daily operational behaviors.
Success in this role requires strong communication, leadership presence, and the ability to influence without direct authority while translating OpEx principles into practical, measurable outcomes.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Strong follow-through and execution discipline
- Change management and facilitation skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to influence without authority
- High energy with strong floor presence
Key Responsibilities
Operational Excellence & Facility Improvements
- Support leadership in implementing Business Excellence / OpEx programs
- Sustain and improve OpEx foundations including 5S, Visual Factory, GMP, and standard work
- Drive daily facility improvements to ensure organized, compliant, and visually managed workspaces
- Identify and enhance material flow, facility layout, and workplace organization
Change Management & Culture
- Act as a change agent by promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
- Engage and motivate teams to drive action with urgency and ownership
- Reinforce expected behaviors through daily interactions, meetings, and site activities
Continuous Improvement Initiatives
- Lead and support process improvement efforts, including Kaizen events and workshops
- Conduct root cause analysis to resolve operational inefficiencies and performance gaps
- Develop and maintain process documentation and standard work
Visual Management & Communication
- Maintain and enhance visual management systems (boards, signage, communication tools)
- Support development of visual aids and communication materials for operational initiatives
- Ensure visibility of key performance indicators and site priorities
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with EHS and GMP standards
- Support safety initiatives, including reporting, meetings, and behavioral safety programs
- Partner with leadership to maintain audit readiness and minimize audit observations
Engagement & Support
- Encourage employee participation in OpEx initiatives and training programs
- Act as a liaison between leadership and frontline teams
- Support planning and execution of engagement activities and improvement events
Qualifications
- 1–5 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing, or Operations
- Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence methodologies preferred
- Experience working in GMP or regulated environments is a plus
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Thrives in a hands-on, floor-based environment
- Strong people skills with the ability to influence and motivate others
- Energetic, organized, and detail-oriented
- Demonstrates ownership and accountability
- Capable of driving sustainable improvements through practical execution
- Shows potential for growth into broader operational leadership roles
Consultants Eligible Benefits Upon Waiting Period
- Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
- Dental Plan
- Vision Plan
- Health Savings Account (for High Deductible Health Plans)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Health, Limited Purpose, Dependent Care, Commuter Parking and Commuter Transit)
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Short Term Disability (coverage varies by state)
- Long Term Disability
- Critical Illness, Hospital coverage, Accident Insurance
- MetLife Legal, MetLife ID Fraud, and MetLife Pet Insurance
- 401(k)
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional and branded generic medicines.
Working together, Abbott and Talent Solutions partner to deliver top talent for contingent roles at Abbott, building better and healthier lives. Abbott believes all employees are essential to creating life-changing breakthroughs, performing key duties to create life-changing breakthroughs.
