Continuous Improvement Engineer

job purpose

As a foundational team member at fairlife's new Webster facility, the Continuous Improvement Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, and implementing the systems, routines, and culture that will power our world-class manufacturing operations. This is not a legacy plant; we're creating everything from the ground up, and we need a builder.

The CI Engineer leads and executes initiatives across people, safety, quality, productivity, and cost optimization by applying Lean Six Sigma tools, structured problem-solving, and data-driven decision making. This role helps craft and sustain a culture of excellence, curiosity, and continuous learning aligned with fairlife's belief in better.

key responsibilities

• Design and implement new CI and OE systems, workflows, and performance routines from scratch.
• Lead site-wide improvement projects focused on eliminating waste and improving performance.
• Establish and coach daily management systems including tiered meetings and KPI tracking.
• Partner across departments to define standard work and deploy tools that improve operational reliability.
• Mentor operations and CI team members through hands-on floor engagement.
• Design, implement, and improve standard work (across any process)
• Strong analytical approach to standard work, time studies, cycle time, line balance, SMED, etc.
• Act as a change agent, building capability and solving complex problems collaboratively.
• Responsibilities will shift as the site matures.
• As a founding member and leader, be a carrier of fairlife culture.

skills/qualifications required

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Math, Industrial Performance, or other Science or Technical fields.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification a plus.
• Strong analytical and team-based problem-solving skills. Experience in data analysis for driving improvements.
• Ability to develop and lead meetings along with various improvement discussions to align cross-functional teams throughout the plant.
• Capable of leading and developing CI processes and team members across the manufacturing plant. Capable of filling in for CI Manager when needed.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and/or train other team members on best practices.
• Goal-oriented and self-driven with high levels of personal accountability and discipline for team, company, and personal growth.
• Experience with various methods of managing and tracking improvement projects with cross-functional teams.
• Strong technical and/or operational knowledge in the packaging and processing departments of the dairy and beverage industry. Quality and Finance understanding is a plus.
• Experience with waste reduction and tracking initiatives.
• Strong leadership skills and a willingness to continue development.

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Continuous Improvement Manager

travel requirements: 5% long-term (up to 30% in first 3 months)

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt