Continuous Improvement Specialist

About Martinrea International

Martinrea International Inc. is a prominent global company specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of intricate metal components, assemblies, modules, fluid management systems, and complex structures. These products serve the automotive and industrial sectors, supporting both North American and global supply chains by providing components for leading manufacturers such as General Motors, Ford, BMW, John Deere, Caterpillar, and Bombardier. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, Martinrea operates 56 manufacturing, engineering, and technical centers located across 10 countries worldwide, employing over 19,000 individuals.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

The Continuous Improvement Specialist will strategically identify and enhance manufacturing and operational processes to boost efficiency, reduce expenditures, elevate product quality, and enhance customer satisfaction. Core responsibilities include:

• Adhering to and executing company-wide manufacturing standards, policies, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout operations.
• Optimizing production layouts, workflows, and processes using lean manufacturing principles to eliminate waste and improve productivity.
• Educating and supporting manufacturing staff in continuous improvement techniques, corporate standards, and best practices.
• Assisting in the safe introduction and launch of new manufacturing programs, equipment, tooling, and processes.
• Identifying risks, quality issues, and process inefficiencies while recommending appropriate corrective and preventive measures.
• Collecting, analyzing, and reporting operational and production data to detect trends, issues, and opportunities for enhancement.
• Conducting root cause analyses and implementing corrective solutions for manufacturing, quality, and production-related challenges.
• Collaborating in cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, productivity, scrap reduction, safety, and delivery performance.
• Maintaining and improving documentation such as process flow charts, Control Plans, PFMEA, DFMEA, and quality planning materials compliant with automotive and corporate standards.
• Supporting supplier and tooling evaluations in relation to manufacturing processes and program rollouts.
• Facilitating Design of Experiments (DOE) initiatives, preparing detailed reports and recommendations.
• Staying current on manufacturing technologies, automation systems, quality standards, and continuous improvement methods.
• Ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental, customer, and corporate requirements within manufacturing processes.
• Contributing to the development and enhancement of preventative maintenance practices for production equipment.
• Troubleshooting process and equipment problems to reduce defects, downtime, and inefficiencies.
• Recommending improvements to manufacturing methods to increase productivity, quality, reliability, and internal capabilities.
• Participating actively in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, Kaizen, and operational excellence efforts organization-wide.
• Maintaining a safe, organized, and efficient workplace and following all company policies and health and safety standards.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, continuous improvement, quality, or process engineering within a manufacturing context.
• Hands-on experience in lean manufacturing, process improvement, quality enhancement, production optimization, or related continuous improvement projects.
• Automotive manufacturing experience is advantageous.
• Familiarity with automotive OEM requirements, manufacturing processes, and quality standards.
• Proficiency with PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, process flow development, root cause analysis, and corrective action methods.
• Experience in manufacturing layout design, workflow optimization, and process improvement techniques.
• Strong skills in analysis, organization, communication, and problem-solving.
• Capability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Competency in Microsoft Office suite and engineering/manufacturing software tools.
• Knowledge of CAD software, automation systems, and manufacturing equipment is a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally as needed.

Additional Information

This position does not require any provincial licenses or certifications in Ontario.

Applicants are welcomed to submit their resume for consideration. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.