Continuous Improvement Engineer

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Engineer

Salary: up to £40,000 dependent on experience + bonus

Location: Southend on Sea

Aeropeople are currently recruiting for a Continuous Improvement Engineer on behalf of our client based in Southend on Sea.

Established 20 years ago they are an approved aircraft repair station specialising in aviation wheel and brake services. Their Part 145 EASA/ FAA and TCCA approved workshop offers the space to carry out full testing, inspection, repair and overhaul of the majority of regional, commercial, military and corporate aircraft wheels, brakes, landing gear, freight locking system components, hydraulics, actuators, valves and accumulators. They also have their own Non- Destructive Testing department on site. With their parent company operating in the USA, their customers span the UK to Europe, USA, Canada, Middle and Far East.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the Continuous Improvement Engineer will play a key role in optimizing operational performance, improving processes, and enhancing safety and quality within our internal maintenance facility.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and a thorough understanding of the aerospace industry, particularly in MRO environments. The role requires strong problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and a collaborative mindset to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Daily attendance at the site is required to effectively support the business and ensure project milestones are met.

Main Responsibilities:

Process Improvement Initiatives:

• Identify, develop, and implement continuous improvement strategies to optimize the efficiency of aircraft maintenance and repair processes.
• Conduct root cause analysis on process inefficiencies and develop corrective actions.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, and other Lean initiatives to reduce cycle time and eliminate waste.

Lean and Six Sigma Implementation:

• Lead Lean Six Sigma projects focused on improving operational and safety processes within the MRO facility.
• Utilize DMAIC methodology to measure, analyze, and improve process performance.
• Train and mentor staff on Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies to build a culture of continuous improvement.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to key performance indicators (KPIs) such as turnaround time (TAT), cost per maintenance event, and equipment reliability.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to management.

Compliance:

• Ensure all improvement activities align with our MOE and aerospace industry regulations, such as EASA, CAA, TCCA & AS9110.
• Work closely with our Compliance teams to ensure that improvements do not compromise safety or regulatory compliance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with departments including MRO, Engineering, Operations, Compliance, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution of improvement projects.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to achieve common goals related to efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Cost Reduction and Efficiency:

• Identify opportunities for cost savings through process redesign, resource optimization, and supply chain improvements.
• Propose and implement cost reduction strategies without sacrificing quality or safety standards.

Risk Management:

• Conduct risk assessments to anticipate and mitigate potential issues during process changes.
• Ensure that all improvement initiatives follow best practices for risk management within the aerospace MRO environment.

Benefits:

• Annual salary of up to £40,000 dependent upon experience
• Company pension
• 20 holiday days plus bank holidays- increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 25 days
• Death in Service- 3 x annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Career progression opportunities

About You:

• Educated to degree level (preferably Masters) in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent NVQ Level qualification.
• Previous experience in a Continuous Improvement, Process Engineering, or similar role, preferably in an aerospace or MRO setting.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred).
• Experience with root cause analysis, process mapping, and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA).
• Understanding of aerospace regulatory requirements (EASA, CAA, AS9110, etc.).
• Familiarity with ERP systems used in aerospace MRO environments. (Ideally Quantum)
• Strong proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Minitab, or statistical software.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Adaptable and flexible to changing environments and project requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of aerospace regulations, safety standards, and quality assurance processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft products essential (Excel, Powerpoint, Word, Outlook) ERP software experience an advantage.

About Aeropeople:

Whether you’re looking for your next job or searching out the next superstar to join your team…

Aeropeople’s expertise and experience is entrenched in the aerospace, aviation, engineering, motorsport, automotive, and defence industries. We have the insight and know-how at both a local and international level to help bring people and businesses together, saving time and energy. Our capability is validated through our Engineering Services division encompassing Aircraft Line Maintenance services and Continuing Airworthiness Maintenance Organisation (CAMO), combined with our Aviation Training division offering technical training aircraft courses.

During registration, please let us know where you are currently located or which locations you would consider taking a position in, required salary and notice period.

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