Operational Excellence Engineer

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. JOB DESCRIPTION: Operational Excellence Engineer Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. Youll also have access to: Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of. Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year. An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelors degree. A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune. A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists. The Opportunity Our location in San Diego, CA currently has an opportunity for an Operational Excellence Engineer. This Operational Excellence Engineer role is within our CMI business unit. This role plays a critical role in driving continuous improvement across the San Diego site. This hands-on position supports and leads initiatives aligned with the Operational Excellence roadmap, including digital transformation, cost reduction, and sustainability. The engineer will work independently and collaboratively across all departments, leading projects and Kaizen events, mentoring Yellow Belt candidates, and embedding Lean principles into daily operations What Youll Work On Actively support the OpEx roadmap strategy in the plant Lead and execute process improvement projects using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies Deliver Yellow Belt training and mentor candidates through improvement projects Facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional workshops to drive rapid improvements Promote visual management and data-driven decision-making across the plant Identify and implement lean tools such as standard work, 5S, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, line balancing, and time studies to optimize process flow and eliminate waste Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to identify improvement opportunities and drive change Support cross-functional projects by assisting with equipment and process validations, demonstrating flexibility and the ability to adapt to evolving business needs Monitor, analyze, and report critical OpEx metrics using tools like Power BI Assist the organization in the knowledge and understanding of metrics and measurements, which impact the total performance of the plant Act as a change agent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline Support cost improvement initiatives through lean tools and structured problem-solving Ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards in all improvement activities Build strong internal relationships and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization Other duties as assigned to support evolving business needs Understands and is aware of the quality consequences which may occur from the improper performance of their specific job; has awareness of device defects that may occur in their area of responsibility, including product design, verification and validation, manufacturing and testing activities Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal/external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the companys policies and practices; build productive internal/external working relationships Carries out duties in compliance with established business policies Other duties as assigned, according to the changing needs of the business Required Qualifications Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, Operations or Science 3-5 years of professional work experience Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification (Black Belt preferred) Experience leading cross-functional improvement projects Preferred: Experience in the medical device, diagnostics, or healthcare industry, with familiarity in regulated environments (e.g., FDA, ISO 13485) Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification Strong presentation and project management skills Proficiency in Power BI and data visualization tools Experience with fixture design and mistake-proofing (poka-yoke) Familiarity with MES or ERP systems COMPETENCIES: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams Excellent verbal and written communication skills Change management and stakeholder engagement capabilities Negotiation and conflict resolution skills Proactive, self-directed, and highly organized Comfortable working independently and collaboratively Apply Now Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future The base pay for this position is $79,500.00 $138,700.00 In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: Manufacturing DIVISION: CMI ARDx Cardiometabolic and Informatics LOCATION: United States > San Diego : 9940 Mesa Rim Road ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: Not specified MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Not Applicable SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday), Work in noisy environment Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf Abbott is about the power of health. For more than 135 years, Abbott has been helping people reach their potential because better health allows people and communities to achieve more. With a diverse, global network serving customers in more than 160 countries, we create new solutions across the spectrum of health, around the world, for all stages of life. Whether its next-generation diagnostics, life-changing devices, science-based nutrition, or novel reformulations, we are advancing some of the most innovative and revolutionary technologies in healthcare, helping people live their best lives through better health. The people of Abbott come to work each day with relentless energy, enthusiasm and a promise to enhance the health and well-being of millions of people. They push the boundaries to help manage and treat some of lifes greatest health challenges. We invite you to explore opportunities at Abbott, to see if your talents and career aspirations may fit with our openings. An equal opportunity employer, Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce. Follow Us: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Twitter