Continuous Improvement Engineer
Date: Aug 11, 2025
Location: Athens, AL, US
Company: Tenneco
Tenneco is one of the world's leading designers, manufacturers and marketers of automotive products for original equipment and aftermarket customer. Through our four business groups, DRiV, Performance Solutions, Clean Air and Powertrain, Tenneco is driving advancements in global mobility by delivering technology solutions for diversified global markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway, industrial, motorsport and the aftermarket.
At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards — we set them. And while others may aim to be best-in-class, we’re constantly hustling to be even better. How do we do it? Through the Tenneco Way. Driven by our Core Values and our winning mindset, we're relentless in our pursuit to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry. Our 61,000 employees are the changemakers of this ambition, bringing drive, passion, and dedication to everything we do.
Want to be a part of Team Tenneco? If so, we’re looking for Continuous Improvement (CI) Engineer to join our Athens team!
Position Summary:
Drive operational excellence and process optimization across powertrain manufacturing by leading cross-functional improvement initiatives. Apply industrial engineering principles to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance productivity, collaborating with production, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and facilitate cross-functional continuous improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, and industrial engineering methodologies
- Analyze current manufacturing processes, identify bottlenecks, and recommend solutions to improve efficiency, quality, and safety
- Conduct time studies, workflow analysis, and capacity planning to optimize resource utilization
- Develop and implement standard work, visual management, and error-proofing solutions
- Train and coach teams on best practices for process improvement and problem-solving
- Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, scrap, downtime, and cost savings
- Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and operations to support new product introductions and process changes
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards
- Document and share lessons learned and best practices across departments
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
- Experience in manufacturing (preferably powertrain or automotive sector)
- Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and industrial engineering tools (e.g., value stream mapping, root cause analysis)
- Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
Work Environment:
- Primarily plant-floor-based with regular interaction with production, maintenance, and quality personnel
- Fast-paced, hands-on environment requiring flexibility and the ability to manage multiple priorities
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.