Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer - NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS

Join Our Team at HuFriedyGroup – Innovating Excellence in Dental Instrument Manufacturing

HuFriedyGroup is a leading manufacturer of dental instruments and infection prevention products. Our 10,000-plus products, hand-crafted by highly skilled artisans, are known for their precision, performance, longevity, reliability, and quality. To help dental professionals be The Best in Practice, HuFriedyGroup provides a unique combination of world class products, value-added services, clinical education, and dental community platforms that result in superior clinician performance and enhanced safety for dental professionals and their patients. Working at HuFriedyGroup is so much more than a job, as every employee has a part in driving and supporting the organization’s inspirational vision to be a global force in advancing dental performance through Best-In-Practice dentistry that improves lives around the world.

We’re seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive Lean transformation across our organization.

In this hands-on role, you’ll work directly at the Gemba with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, lead Kaizen events, and implement sustainable solutions that deliver measurable impact. You'll provide Lean training, coach teams, and execute improvement projects—while clearly communicating progress and results to leadership.

Success In This Role Requires

• A strong foundation in Lean principles
• The ability to influence across all levels without direct authority
• A passion for problem solving and driving operational excellence
• Comfort in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  
  

If you thrive at the intersection of strategy and execution, we’d love to hear from you.

The Senior CI Engineer is responsible for driving the implementation of Lean principles, tools, and systems throughout the organization. This hands-on role partners with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, lead Kaizen events, deliver Lean training, and manage end-to-end project execution to ensure sustainable performance improvements.

NOTE: This role is based in Des Plaines, IL, with the facility relocating to Northbrook, IL in March 2026. All applicants must be willing to travel as needed and commit to relocating with the company at that time.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Lean transformation projects with hands-on execution, from planning through implementation and follow-up.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and ensure sustainment of results through effective follow-up and coaching.
• Train teams in Lean methodologies such as 5S, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, and Standard Work.
• Monitor Lean project metrics and maintain documentation including cost/benefit analysis and Kaizen performance.
• Provide input for Capital Expenditure requests and support organizational budget planning.
• Act as a technical expert on Lean tools and principles including A3 problem solving, setup reduction, and process optimization.
• Deliver in-person Lean training courses ranging from foundational principles to advanced problem-solving techniques.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align improvement initiatives with business goals.
• Estimate time, staffing, and cost impacts to inform management decisions.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (Engineering or Related Technical Field)
• 5–7 years of experience in a Continuous Improvement or Lean-focused role.
• Proven application of Lean principles in a manufacturing, distribution, or service environment.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver measurable results.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of advanced Lean methods (Shingijutsu experience a plus).
• Strong business acumen and organizational skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience estimating costs, staffing needs, and project ROI.
• Familiarity with Lean curriculum development and delivery.
  
  

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead high-impact initiatives across the organization
• A collaborative culture that values continuous improvement
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Growth and professional development opportunities
  
  

Join our team and play a critical role in supporting production, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and ensuring operational success.

Apply today!

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility Statement

HuFriedyGroup is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you require reasonable accommodations to apply for a position, participate in the recruitment process, or perform essential job functions, please contact us at 773-868-5534. We are committed to supporting you throughout your journey with HuFriedyGroup!