About Us: 

How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 180 years?! 

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team! 

Location: This position is located in our office in Maple Grove, MN and onsite, Monday through Friday.

What’s the role?  

The Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer leads strategic improvement initiatives that drive operational excellence, increase productivity, improve quality, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. This role partners with cross-functional teams to deploy Lean principles, facilitate problem-solving activities, optimize business processes, and develop a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

Sound Interesting?  

Here’s what you’ll do:  

• Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies such as 6S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), DMAIC, and PDCA to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Identify, develop, and implement process improvements through process mapping, standard work, waste reduction, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and training programs to strengthen continuous improvement capabilities across the organization.
• Partner with the Global Lean Team to deploy standardized Lean tools, share best practices, and coach teams on operational excellence principles.
• Support Hoshin Kanri deployment by aligning improvement activities with strategic business objectives and key performance targets.
• Build strong partnerships across Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Warehouse, Procurement, and Engineering to drive sustainable business improvements.
• Provide hands-on coaching and training to employees and leaders on Lean methodologies, problem-solving, and continuous improvement tools.
• Communicate project progress, results, and key performance metrics effectively to all levels of the organization.
• Track and report improvement initiative performance, ensuring benefits are sustained and objectives achieved.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Do you qualify? 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, or related technical field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Operational Excellence roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean principles, process improvement methodologies, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Proven ability to identify, lead, and sustain process improvements through the application of Lean tools and methodologies, including 6S, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Kamishibai, Root Cause Analysis, and Daily Management Systems.
• Strong project management, analytical, facilitation, and leadership skills, with the ability to drive change and influence without direct authority.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred; Black Belt certification is a plus.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate and build relationships across all organizational levels.

The annual pay range for this position is 92,000 to 114,000. This position is also eligible for a performance bonus

The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS! 

• Medical 
• Vision 
• Dental 
• 401k Matching 
• Employee Assistance Programs 
• Vacation and sick pay 
• The list goes on! 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of requirements, duties, or responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to interpret, amend, or otherwise modify, in whole or in part, any job description at any time, at its sole discretion.

Keywords: LEAN, Six Sigma, 6S, Value Stream Mapping.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).