Location: Near Luton (Bedfordshire)
Salary: Up to £55,000 + Annual Bonus + Benefits
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (On-site)
Company: Global Engineering & Manufacturing Leader
Why this Continuous Improvement Engineer role?
Join a world-class manufacturing environment and take ownership of continuous improvement across machining, welding & fabrication, and assembly operations. You'll eliminate waste, reduce cycle time, and lift OEE using structured Lean and Six Sigma methods.
What you'll do as Continuous Improvement Engineer
Lead Continuous Improvement initiatives using Kaizen, SMED, Six Sigma, 5S, 8D, and Value Stream Mapping
Develop, optimise, and standardise manufacturing processes across machining (CNC, turning, milling), welding/fabrication, and mechanical assembly
Implement robust process controls and error‑proofing (Poka‑Yoke) with clear work standards and visual management
Support NPI from concept through to volume launch and ramp‑up (DFM/DFA, build sequencing, SOPs)
Specify, commission, and validate equipment, tooling, fixtures, and test systems
Drive cost reduction via process optimisation and value engineering
Prepare CapEx business cases (technical justification, ROI/NPV, payback, CBA)
Contribute to capital investment planning and execution with cross-functional teams
What you'll bring as Continuous Improvement Engineer Must-haves
HND/Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering
Experience in volume manufacturing of engineered products (e.g., industrial equipment, capital machinery, precision components, fabricated assemblies)
Hands-on Lean problem-solving (RCA, 8D, DMAIC) with measurable outcomes
Knowledge of automated assembly, tooling, fixtures, and test equipment
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications
Nice-to-haves
Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
Experience delivering CapEx projects and line/equipment installations
Exposure to PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA and SPC
About you
Adaptable, disciplined, and ambitious. A strategic thinker who thrives under pressure, communicates clearly across functions, and brings a proactive, "own the outcome" mentality.
Benefits
Up to £55,000 base + Annual Bonus
Pension, Life Cover, 25 days' holiday + additional purchase scheme
Flexible working hours (on-site)
Career development in a global organisationCommutable from: Luton, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Harpenden, Hitchin, Bedford, Biggleswade, Letchworth Garden City, Stevenage, Watford.
How to apply: Click Apply with your CV or reach out for a confidential chat.
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics. You must have the right to work in the UK.
Keywords: Continuous Improvement Engineer, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, SMED, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping, Process Improvement, Machining, CNC, Welding, Fabrication, Assembly, CapEx Projects, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Optimisation, Error Proofing, Tooling, Fixtures, Engineering Drawings, Green Belt, Black Belt, Luton, Bedfordshire.
To find out more about Progressive please visit
Salary description
£45000.00 - £55000.00 per year