Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
Lean Continuous Quality Improvement Engineer
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Lean Continuous Quality Improvement Engineer
WMATA is seeking a Lean Continuous Quality Improvement (LCQI) Engineer to supervise compliance assessments and lead transformative quality initiatives across our operations and maintenance teams. This role is a change agent designing and implementing systems that elevate performance, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Summary The Lean Continuous Quality Improvement Engineer plays a vital leadership role in elevating Metro's quality and safety standards and embedding a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. The engineer oversees and mentors Quality Assurance Senior Associates, leads root‑cause analyses, facilitates corrective action plans, and ensures rigorous compliance with regulatory and internal standards. By championing lean methodologies and data‑driven decision‑making, the engineer drives operational excellence and process innovation while partnering closely with cross‑functional teams to achieve sustainable outcomes that enhance performance, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Essential Functions
Supervises and mentors Quality Assurance Senior Associates, enhancing their work through deeper data analysis and engineering‑based evaluation.
Oversees task execution, approves time, and enables independent review and coaching.
Communicates Metro and Quality’s continuous improvement mission, vision, and expectations.
Identifies, analyzes, and improves inefficiencies across engineering, maintenance, and operations processes using tools such as Value Stream Mapping, root‑cause analysis, and 5S methodology.
Leads and facilitates Kaizen events and other Lean initiatives to improve workflow, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance productivity and services.
Develops and implements strategies to improve engineering, maintenance, and operations quality, ensure compliance with standards, and reduce defects.
Collects and analyzes data to track progress, identify trends, and measure the effectiveness of implemented improvements.
Works with various teams (engineering, maintenance, operations) to implement improvements and ensure alignment with Metro’s strategic goals.
Provides training and guidance to employees on Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Documents processes, develops standard operating procedures, and ensures standardization of work practices.
Embeds with Metro engineering, maintenance, and operations groups leading continuous quality assurance activities.
Continuously challenges the status quo as part of day‑to‑day activities.
Other Functions
Acts as a change agent for continuous quality improvement opportunities across Metro.
Performs other duties, responsibilities, special projects, and/or assignments requested by management.
Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures, encouraging a positive safety culture and reporting of safety concerns.
These functions are not intended to limit specific duties and can be expanded based on managerial direction.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil, electrical, industrial engineering, engineering management, or a related discipline from an accredited engineering college.
Alternative: High‑school diploma plus four (4) additional years of progressively responsible engineering experience in a quality assurance, industrial, or manufacturing environment.
Experience: Minimum seven (7) years of progressive responsible experience in quality assurance or related engineering fields.
Certifications/Licensure: Current valid local motor vehicle operator’s license. Ability to obtain an American Society of Quality ISO 9001 certification within 24 months and a Certified Quality Engineer certification within 18 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional Engineer license.
Quality Improvement Associate certification.
Lean Six Sigma certification at least Green Belt, preferably Black Belt.
Project Management Professional certification.
Medical Group: Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions either with or without reasonable accommodations.
Evaluation Criteria
Skills and behavioral assessment.
Personal interview.
Verification of education and experience, including certifications and licenses.
Criminal background check.
Medical examination including drug and alcohol screening for safety‑sensitive positions.
Review of current motor vehicle report.
Closing WMATA is 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, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
Job titles, location, and salary ranges are available upon confirmation of an interview.
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Summary The Lean Continuous Quality Improvement Engineer plays a vital leadership role in elevating Metro's quality and safety standards and embedding a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. The engineer oversees and mentors Quality Assurance Senior Associates, leads root‑cause analyses, facilitates corrective action plans, and ensures rigorous compliance with regulatory and internal standards. By championing lean methodologies and data‑driven decision‑making, the engineer drives operational excellence and process innovation while partnering closely with cross‑functional teams to achieve sustainable outcomes that enhance performance, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Essential Functions
Supervises and mentors Quality Assurance Senior Associates, enhancing their work through deeper data analysis and engineering‑based evaluation.
Oversees task execution, approves time, and enables independent review and coaching.
Communicates Metro and Quality’s continuous improvement mission, vision, and expectations.
Identifies, analyzes, and improves inefficiencies across engineering, maintenance, and operations processes using tools such as Value Stream Mapping, root‑cause analysis, and 5S methodology.
Leads and facilitates Kaizen events and other Lean initiatives to improve workflow, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance productivity and services.
Develops and implements strategies to improve engineering, maintenance, and operations quality, ensure compliance with standards, and reduce defects.
Collects and analyzes data to track progress, identify trends, and measure the effectiveness of implemented improvements.
Works with various teams (engineering, maintenance, operations) to implement improvements and ensure alignment with Metro’s strategic goals.
Provides training and guidance to employees on Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Documents processes, develops standard operating procedures, and ensures standardization of work practices.
Embeds with Metro engineering, maintenance, and operations groups leading continuous quality assurance activities.
Continuously challenges the status quo as part of day‑to‑day activities.
Other Functions
Acts as a change agent for continuous quality improvement opportunities across Metro.
Performs other duties, responsibilities, special projects, and/or assignments requested by management.
Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures, encouraging a positive safety culture and reporting of safety concerns.
These functions are not intended to limit specific duties and can be expanded based on managerial direction.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil, electrical, industrial engineering, engineering management, or a related discipline from an accredited engineering college.
Alternative: High‑school diploma plus four (4) additional years of progressively responsible engineering experience in a quality assurance, industrial, or manufacturing environment.
Experience: Minimum seven (7) years of progressive responsible experience in quality assurance or related engineering fields.
Certifications/Licensure: Current valid local motor vehicle operator’s license. Ability to obtain an American Society of Quality ISO 9001 certification within 24 months and a Certified Quality Engineer certification within 18 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional Engineer license.
Quality Improvement Associate certification.
Lean Six Sigma certification at least Green Belt, preferably Black Belt.
Project Management Professional certification.
Medical Group: Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions either with or without reasonable accommodations.
Evaluation Criteria
Skills and behavioral assessment.
Personal interview.
Verification of education and experience, including certifications and licenses.
Criminal background check.
Medical examination including drug and alcohol screening for safety‑sensitive positions.
Review of current motor vehicle report.
Closing WMATA is 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, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
Job titles, location, and salary ranges are available upon confirmation of an interview.
#J-18808-Ljbffr