Continuous Improvement Engineer

About Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company

Pratt Miller is a product development company in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production capability help our customers bring their high-quality products to market faster.

OVERVIEW:

The Continuous Improvement Engineer drives operational excellence across Pratt Miller's manufacturing operations by optimizing processes, systems, and tools to improve efficiency, quality, and compliance. This role plays a key part in evaluating and enhancing the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and its integration with ERP and PLM platforms-ensuring production data, material usage, and labor costs are accurately captured, tracked, and reported in alignment with program and regulatory requirements.

Working cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Engineering, the Specialist applies Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste, streamline workflows, and increase throughput. They assess current manufacturing and product release processes to identify system gaps and risks introduced by new contractual constraints, particularly those tied to Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

Initially operating in a consultative capacity, the Specialist will evaluate existing processes and systems, identify deficiencies, and develop a roadmap to close compliance and efficiency gaps.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS:

Typical responsibilities include but are not limited to all of the following:

• Lead system and process improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations, aligning MES, ERP, and PLM tools to meet DoD and program-specific requirements.

• Assess, design, and implement future-state workflows that integrate Lean principles, digital tools, and data-driven feedback to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and traceability.

• Partner cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Product Engineering, Supply Chain, and IT to drive system alignment, process standardization, and data integrity.

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives, including Kaizen events, root cause analyses, and Lean/Six Sigma projects to improve production performance, safety, and quality.

• Develop and implement standardized work procedures, visual management systems, and control plans to sustain process gains and ensure consistent execution.

• Optimize material flow, equipment utilization, and cycle time in collaboration with production and engineering teams.

• Develop and maintain performance dashboards and visual management tools to communicate progress and sustain improvements.

• Support ISO and internal audit activities, ensuring compliance with documentation and continuous improvement standards.

• Participate in supplier or process audits and assist in resolving quality or process control issues.

• Coach and mentor team members in Lean and Six Sigma tools, fostering a culture of ownership, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Manage multiple CI projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, production schedules, and strategic priorities.

• Present findings, updates, and recommendations to leadership through clear, data-supported communication.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the responsibilities mentioned above, tasks relating to the following area will be assigned as required.

• U.S. Citizenship required due to work on U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) programs; ability to obtain a security clearance.

• Familiarity with defense manufacturing requirements, including configuration control, traceability, and data security.

• Proficiency with data analysis and visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, Excel, SQL) to support decision-making.

• Understanding of AS9100, ISO 9001, and ITAR/EAR compliance standards.

• Strong analytical, documentation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate findings into actionable improvements.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills for working across functions and levels.

• Exposure to Agile, OODA, or similar iterative improvement frameworks.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Systems, or a related technical field required.

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing process improvement, operations excellence, or systems integration (MES/ERP/PLM environments).

• Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (Green or Black Belt certification preferred).

• Experience in discrete or complex assembly in Defense manufacturing environments.

• Hands-on experience with MES, ERP (Sage, SAP, or similar), and PLM (Windchill, Teamcenter, or similar) systems.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects from assessment through implementation and sustainment.

DESIRED SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Proven success leading Lean, Six Sigma, or process improvement initiatives in a production or assembly environment.

• Experience designing closed-loop feedback systems that connect production data (MES) with engineering change control (PLM) and financial systems (ERP).

• Knowledge of digital manufacturing transformation, system integration, and data governance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to work in both office and production environments, including time on the shop floor observing processes and supporting teams.

• Occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.) and standing/walking during process observation and improvement activities.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

• Core hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (minimum), typically averaging 45 hours per week.

• Additional hours may be required during project implementations or process launches to meet deadlines and support production.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work will primarily be performed in a manufacturing environment with frequent interaction on the production floor.

• Collaboration across operations, quality, and engineering teams is essential.

• Some travel may be required for training, supplier visits, or off-site improvement events.

• Pratt Miller fosters a collaborative, innovative, and results-driven culture where team members contribute to advancing manufacturing performance and operational excellence.

Pay Range:

$92,600.00 - $154,400.00

The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email [email protected] .

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.