Continuous Improvement Process Engineers

Job description

Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Cold Room/Freezers -22degreesF/-6degrees C, Laboratory Setting, Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Warehouse, Will work with hazardous/toxic materials Job Description Thermo Fisher Scientific recently announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its microbiology business to Astorg, a leading pan-European private equity firm with deep expertise in healthcare, focused on a select set of subsectors, including pharmaceutical services and technology, medtech and related services, life science tools and diagnostics. This decision follows a thoughtful evaluation as part of Thermo Fisher’s ongoing business strategy to actively manage and strengthen our portfolio. We expect the transaction will be completed in the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and applicable regulatory approvals. Until the transaction is complete, Thermo Fisher will continue to operate the business. If you join the microbiology business prior to the close of the transaction, your employment is expected to transition to Astorg. For more information, please review: Thermo Fisher’s press release Astorg press release Role Summary As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Operations and Production Leadership Team, the Process Engineer / PPI Business System Specialist is responsible for driving operational excellence through continuous improvement, process optimization, and Lean business system deployment. This role partners with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer experience while fostering a culture of Practical Process Improvement (PPI). The successful candidate will lead process improvement initiatives, facilitate Kaizen events, implement Lean methodologies, investigate performance gaps, and deliver sustainable solutions that improve manufacturing performance and business results. Through data-driven decision-making and collaborative problem-solving, this position supports Thermo Fisher's mission to enable customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. Key Responsibilities Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Ensure all process and operational changes are implemented safely through appropriate risk assessments and change management processes. Develop and maintain safe systems of work by incorporating engineering controls, procedural controls, and personal protective equipment requirements where appropriate. Promote a proactive safety culture through coaching, training, hazard observation programs, and continuous improvement initiatives. Support compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations and company standards. Quality & Compliance Lead investigations into deviations, non-conformances, and operational issues using structured problem-solving methodologies. Own and support Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) to ensure timely and effective resolution. Identify, assess, escalate, and mitigate operational and quality risks. Ensure compliance with GMP, quality systems, and applicable medical device and pharmaceutical regulations. Operational Excellence & Customer Service Analyze manufacturing and business processes to identify capacity constraints, inefficiencies, and performance losses. Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, and PPI methodologies to improve throughput, quality, productivity, and customer service performance. Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement workshops. Develop and monitor KPIs that identify performance gaps and drive sustainable operational improvements. Lead Plan-Do-Check-Adjust (PDCA) cycles to resolve business-critical issues and improve process capability. Support daily management systems and tiered accountability processes by driving action plans and problem resolution. Cost & Productivity Improvement Identify sources of waste and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Build business cases and obtain approval for capital investment projects supporting productivity and process improvements. Collaborate with project engineering teams to ensure successful implementation and realization of expected return on investment. Deliver measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cycle time, inventory, and cost performance. Continuous Improvement & People Development Champion Thermo Fisher's PPI culture through Kaizen activities, Just Do Its (JDIs), and structured improvement projects. Provide coaching, training, and mentoring on Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies. Partner with production teams, supervisors, and functional leaders to build engagement and support for change initiatives. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure improvements are implemented safely, compliantly, and sustainably. Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous learning. Qualifications Minimum Requirements Bachelor's Degree with relevant experience in engineering, manufacturing, operations, business, science, or a related field. Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, or Six Sigma methodologies within a production or operational environment. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to identify opportunities and implement effective solutions. Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Effective communication and interpersonal skills with experience working across organizational levels. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. Understanding of health and safety requirements and practical application within a manufacturing environment. Preferred Qualifications Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification. PPI Business System certification or equivalent continuous improvement training. IOSH qualification or equivalent health and safety certification. Experience within pharmaceutical, medical device, biotechnology, life sciences, or FMCG manufacturing environments. Knowledge of GMP, quality systems, deviation management, CAPA processes, and regulatory compliance requirements. Proven track record of delivering measurable operational improvements, productivity gains, and cost savings. Experience facilitating Kaizen events, value stream mapping, standard work development, 5S implementation, visual management, and root cause analysis.