Continuous Improvement Leader

ENABLE your future through light.

Excelitas is a global technology leader with more than 7,500 employees, focused on delivering market-driven solutions to fulfill the illumination, optical, detection and imaging needs of OEMs and end-users across the biomedical, semiconductor, industrial, consumer products, scientific, security, defense and aerospace sectors.

ENGAGE with us today and make your contribution to the future! Join the team that leading technology companies turn to for cutting-edge photonic innovation. At Excelitas Technologies you are how we EXCEL.

We are presently seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader.  This position will implement and drive Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives for the Billerica facility.  This will include driving both Lean/Six Sigma as well as the Excelitas Operating System (EOS) – Our Lean Business System.  The primary measure of success in this position will be the achievement of the Annual Operating Plan’s CI savings target at the site level and growing our site to the next level in our EOS journey. 

Our facility in Billerica, Massachusetts is located in the metropolitan Boston area and specializes in the design and manufacturing of advanced medical essential technologies for Ophthalmology, Surgical imaging and patient care.

 Key Responsibilities

• Lead, plan, and execute CI initiatives aligned with site and corporate objectives, including Kaizen events, value stream mapping, 5S, standard work, and waste reduction projects;
• Serve as the primary Lean subject‑matter expert for the Billerica facility, modeling and teaching Lean behaviors and methodologies;
• Partner with operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions;
• Facilitate root‑cause problem solving using structured methods such as A3, DMAIC, and PDCA;
• Develop and deliver training on Lean tools, Excelitas Operating System (EOS) elements, and CI methodologies to employees at all levels;
• Track, measure, and report CI project outcomes, including productivity gains, cost savings, quality improvements, and lead‑time reductions;
• Support deployment and maturation of Lean business systems across the facility;
• Coach leaders and frontline teams to build internal CI capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement;
• Ensure alignment between CI activities and safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives;

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, or related field preferred;
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt or equivalent experience strongly preferred;
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, continuous improvement, or Lean leadership roles;
• Demonstrated success leading hands‑on Lean initiatives in a production environment;
• Strong problem‑solving skills with experience using structured methodologies;
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and teaching skills; able to influence at all levels.
• Familiarity with Lean business systems and enterprise‑level CI frameworks;
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive results with minimal oversight;
• Comfortable working on the shop floor and engaging directly with operators and technicians;
• Proficiency with data analysis, process mapping, and CI software/tools;

• Work directly on the shop floor to observe processes, gather data, and validate improvements.

Key Attributes

• Hands‑on, action‑oriented mindset;
• Natural teacher and coach;
• Strong analytical thinker;
• Collaborative and approachable;
• Passionate about operational excellence;
• Persistent, resilient, and improvement‑driven.

Pay varies depending on level of experience:  95K-156K

Visa sponsorship is not available for any position at Excelitas 

No relocation for this position

Must be a US Citizen/Persons

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Minorities/Females/Disability/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation

Excelitas is seeking leaders and innovators to join our global team! 

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