Continuous Improvement Specialist onsite Tucson, AZ
The Continuous Improvement Specialist at Confidential Client in Tucson, AZ, is responsible for supporting process optimization and operational excellence within manufacturing and production environments. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify improvement opportunities, analyze data, implement best practices aligned with AS9100 and Raytheon's Quality Management Systems, and ensure compliance with security and regulatory standards. The position requires an active DoD Secret security clearance and focuses on driving efficiency and quality in aerospace and defense production processes.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Aerospace & Defense.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client (a leading company in Aerospace & Defense) is hiring an entry-level Continuous Improvement Specialist to support onsite operations in Tucson, AZ. This role focuses on process improvement across production areas (Fabrication, Assembly, Inspection, Test), supporting AS9100-aligned Quality Management Systems (QMS), and driving measurable efficiency gains using data and standard CI methods (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
What You’ll Do
- Assist with identifying, analyzing, and implementing process improvement opportunities across Manufacturing and Operations (FAIT — Fabrication, Assembly, Inspection, Test).
- Support development and execution of Qualification Plans for production hardware, ensuring AS9100 compliance.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret production and quality data to identify trends and inefficiencies.
- Use metrics to measure effectiveness of improvements and track progress against targets.
- Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, and Quality to deploy process changes.
- Prepare and present findings, recommendations, and status updates to stakeholders and leadership.
- Help develop and deliver training materials to standardize improved processes.
- Maintain accurate documentation of procedures, change records, and improvement activities.
- Support adherence to internal policies, export and trade laws, and applicable regulations.
- Occasional travel to other facilities may be required.
- Work a 9/80 schedule (nine-hour shifts with every other Friday off).
Required Qualifications
- University degree or equivalent experience plus typically 2 years relevant experience in manufacturing, production-line operations, or operations support.
- Hands-on Continuous Improvement experience (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); comfort with data analysis and basic reporting.
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (DoD Secret). Active clearance required from day one or immediately maintainable.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; experience with process mapping and root cause analysis.
- Familiarity with AS9100 / aerospace QMS requirements.
- Experience with analytics/reporting tools (Power BI, PRISM, or similar) is a plus.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with multi-skilled teams.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Self-starter with a continuous learning mindset.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $68,900 - $131,100 USD (good-faith estimate across experience levels).
- Eligible benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending, paid time off, parental leave, employee development programs, and other business-unit dependent benefits.
- Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates who meet eligibility.
Schedule & Location
- Onsite role based in Tucson, AZ (work primarily at the facility; production and maintenance roles are expected to be onsite).
- 9/80 schedule (9-hour shifts, every other Friday off).
- U.S.-based only — candidates must meet the citizenship and clearance requirements noted above.
Why Join
- Contribute to mission-critical aerospace & defense programs.
- Develop practical CI skills in a high-reliability manufacturing environment.
- Work with cross-functional teams and grow into broader operational or engineering roles.
Notes & Legal
- This position requires an active or transferable U.S. government security clearance (DoD Secret). U.S. citizenship is required.
- The posted salary range is representative and final offers consider experience, skills, and location.
- Applicants may be asked to attend select interview steps in person for security or process reasons.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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