Continuous Improvement Specialist (Fort Wayne, IN)
Ottenweller Company, Fort Wayne, IN, United States
This is a non-management position and a full time position.
Summary Ottenweller Company, Inc. is seeking a hands‑on Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist to support and improve our metal fabrication processes. This role combines shop‑floor continuous improvement with ownership of standard operating procedures. The ideal candidate has real manufacturing experience, is comfortable on the shop floor, and can turn improved processes into clear, usable, operator‑friendly documentation.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Improve and standardize metal fabrication processes
Own creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures that are clear, concise, and operator‑friendly
Document tack welding, robotic welding, finish welding, assembly, machining, forming, etc. processes
Identify and reduce process variation, rework, and inefficiencies
Support continuous improvement efforts to reduce and eliminate non‑value‑added time
Work closely with engineering, welding, quality, and production teams
Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions related to process performance
Support new part launches and process changes
Own the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of standard operating procedures
Spend regular time on the shop floor observing processes and engaging with operators
Gather feedback from operators to improve both processes and documentation
Encourage operator involvement in process improvement and documentation
Identify gaps where documentation or process controls are missing or outdated
Support leadership initiatives focused on operational excellence
Perform other duties as assigned
Education & Experience
High school diploma or GED required
Technical degree, associate degree, or equivalent manufacturing experience
3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably metal fabrication
Hands‑on experience supporting or leading continuous improvement, process standardization, or standard operating procedure development
Working knowledge of welding and assembly processes preferred
Experience working directly with operators, supervisors, and engineers on the shop floor
Preferred experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and standardized work instructions
An equivalent combination of education, training, and hands‑on manufacturing experience will be considered in place of a formal degree
Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 30 lb. When operating equipment the employee may be required to lift up to 50 lb.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the office work environment is usually quiet; the noise level in the shop is usually loud.
Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status .
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Summary Ottenweller Company, Inc. is seeking a hands‑on Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist to support and improve our metal fabrication processes. This role combines shop‑floor continuous improvement with ownership of standard operating procedures. The ideal candidate has real manufacturing experience, is comfortable on the shop floor, and can turn improved processes into clear, usable, operator‑friendly documentation.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Improve and standardize metal fabrication processes
Own creation and maintenance of standard operating procedures that are clear, concise, and operator‑friendly
Document tack welding, robotic welding, finish welding, assembly, machining, forming, etc. processes
Identify and reduce process variation, rework, and inefficiencies
Support continuous improvement efforts to reduce and eliminate non‑value‑added time
Work closely with engineering, welding, quality, and production teams
Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions related to process performance
Support new part launches and process changes
Own the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of standard operating procedures
Spend regular time on the shop floor observing processes and engaging with operators
Gather feedback from operators to improve both processes and documentation
Encourage operator involvement in process improvement and documentation
Identify gaps where documentation or process controls are missing or outdated
Support leadership initiatives focused on operational excellence
Perform other duties as assigned
Education & Experience
High school diploma or GED required
Technical degree, associate degree, or equivalent manufacturing experience
3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably metal fabrication
Hands‑on experience supporting or leading continuous improvement, process standardization, or standard operating procedure development
Working knowledge of welding and assembly processes preferred
Experience working directly with operators, supervisors, and engineers on the shop floor
Preferred experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and standardized work instructions
An equivalent combination of education, training, and hands‑on manufacturing experience will be considered in place of a formal degree
Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 30 lb. When operating equipment the employee may be required to lift up to 50 lb.
Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the office work environment is usually quiet; the noise level in the shop is usually loud.
Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status .
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