Back to jobs

Continuous Improvement Manager

San Luis Obispo, California

At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.

We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.

We are seeking a results-driven Production Continuous Improvement Manager to coach teams in scientific problem-solving while delivering measurable operational improvements through Toyota Kata methodology. This hands-on role requires an individual who can develop improvement capabilities across production teams while executing targeted improvement projects that drive quantifiable results in our high-growth manufacturing environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

Toyota Kata Implementation & Coaching:

  • Coach production teams through the Improvement cycle: understand current condition, establish target condition, conduct PDCA experiments, and reflect on learning 
  • Guide teams in setting appropriate challenge directions and target conditions aligned with production goals 
  • Facilitate daily coaching cycles with team leaders and supervisors to develop scientific thinking patterns 
  • Support teams in conducting rapid PDCA experiments on production processes, equipment performance, and workflow optimization 
  • Work hands-on with teams to identify obstacles preventing achievement of target conditions 

Process Improvement & Results Delivery: 

  • Lead by example in applying Toyota Kata methodology to tackle complex production challenges while managing multiple concurrent improvement projects 
  • Guide teams through systematic problem-solving using Plan-Do-Check-Act cycles for cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and defect elimination 
  • Conduct detailed analysis of production lines, manufacturing processes, and workflow bottlenecks using Lean tools (5S, value stream mapping, standardized work) 
  • Execute targeted Six Sigma DMAIC projects when appropriate, integrated with Toyota Kata experimentation approach 
  • Perform hands-on root cause analysis using statistical tools and data analysis to solve production problems 

Performance Measurement & Learning Documentation:

  • Establish and track production KPIs including OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), cycle time, defect rates, and throughput 
  • Monitor progress toward target conditions and coach teams through obstacle identification and countermeasure development 
  • Generate monthly reports showing both cost savings/productivity improvements and team learning progression 
  • Maintain coaching records and experiment logs to track learning and capability development 
  • Validate improvement results through statistical analysis and control charts 

Capability Development & Culture Building:

  • Develop improvement kata and coaching kata capabilities in leadership 
  • Train production teams on scientific thinking, experimentation mindset, and learning from failure 
  • Create and maintain coaching cycles with team leaders across production areas 
  • Establish improvement kata practice routines while ensuring sustainability of implemented improvements 
  • Coach front-line supervisors on both Toyota Kata methodology and traditional Lean problem-solving tools 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Business Administration, or related field 
  • 7+ years hands-on experience in production environments implementing continuous improvement methodologies 
  • Toyota Kata certification or demonstrated experience with Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata methodologies 
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred, or equivalent demonstrated proficiency with Lean tools and statistical analysis 
  • Strong coaching and mentoring skills with ability to develop scientific thinking in others 
  • Experience with PDCA experimentation, hypothesis testing, and systematic problem-solving approaches 
  • Proficiency with statistical analysis software and data visualization tools 
  • Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable results in manufacturing operations 
  • Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or high-precision manufacturing 
  • Knowledge of advanced manufacturing concepts 
  • Familiarity with ERP systems and manufacturing execution systems 
  • Certification in project management (PMP) or change management 

Working Environment:

  • This role requires 80% time on the production floor working directly with manufacturing teams.
  •  Hands-on problem solving, data collection, and implementation activities in an active manufacturing environment. 

Pay range for this role

$125,000 - $175,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits: 

  • Competitive total compensation package 
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match 
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

Note about our Texas roles: we are in the process of opening a location on the mid-west side of the DFW metro region. Roles in Texas will initially work remotely and then be expected to be onsite when that location opens in 2026.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

Create a Job Alert

Interested in building your career at Zone 5 Technologies? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email.

Apply for this job

*

indicates a required field

Resume/CV*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Cover Letter

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, txt, rtf

Education

Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...
Select...

Work Authorization

Select...

Sponsorship

Select...
Select...
Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiring process or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file.

As set forth in Zone 5 Technologies’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Select...
Select...
Race & Ethnicity Definitions

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection. As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measure the effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categories is as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

Select...

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305
Page 1 of 1
OMB Control Number 1250-0005
Expires 04/30/2026

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We are a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% of our workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People can become disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer is confidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and your answer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major life activities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability. Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
  • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS
  • Blind or low vision
  • Cancer (past or present)
  • Cardiovascular or heart disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Deaf or serious difficulty hearing
  • Diabetes
  • Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or congenital disorders
  • Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
  • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
  • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
  • Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, leg brace(s) and/or other supports
  • Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Neurodivergence, for example, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learning disabilities
  • Partial or complete paralysis (any cause)
  • Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
  • Short stature (dwarfism)
  • Traumatic brain injury
Select...

PUBLIC BURDEN STATEMENT: According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control number. This survey should take about 5 minutes to complete.