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Process improvement engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Maria Benavides Ph.D.,
Charles Purdum
Process improvement engineer example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical process improvement engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for process improvement engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.2% of process improvement engineer resumes contained lean six sigma as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a process improvement engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 process improvement engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Lean Six Sigma

Here's how process improvement engineers use lean six sigma:
  • Incorporated time saving suggestions, implemented productivity improvement processes and sustained the efficiency accomplished through the Lean Six Sigma Program.
  • Participated in various company projects including Lean Six Sigma and quality programs.

2. Sigma

In Greek alphabets, sigma is the 18th letter that means "to sum up". In statistics, the lower case symbol of sigma is the unit of measurement for standard deviation which is used to assess the variability in a given set of data. While the upper case symbol is for summation notation means to add up all the given numbers in the data set.

Here's how process improvement engineers use sigma:
  • Analyzed effectiveness of processes and implemented action to improve equipment up-time and yield using lean manufacturing and six sigma principles.
  • Created the presentations to validate ROI justification using Six Sigma methodology * Eliminated selling process based on price commodity buying.

3. Project Management

Here's how process improvement engineers use project management:
  • Proposed and implemented a formal cross-functional review process and structure to insure accurate project management and implementation of process excellence groups.
  • Increased engineering projects' focus and efficiency resulting in improved teams' morale by introducing a more project management focused philosophy.

4. Healthcare

Healthcare is the maintenance or improvement of a person's health by the diagnosis and treatment of a person's injury, illness, or any other disease. Healthcare is a basic necessity of human life and is the responsibility of the country's government to ensure that each person gets healthcare. Providing healthcare is the job of certified health professionals that includes doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other physicians. Pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, dentistry, therapy, and health training all come under healthcare. Healthcare plays a vital role in the country's economy and its development.

Here's how process improvement engineers use healthcare:
  • Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of healthcare data to support program management within Performance Improvement Department.
  • Participated in the Texas Medical Foundation performance improvement plan for healthcare facilities.

5. Data Analysis

Here's how process improvement engineers use data analysis:
  • Documented organizational and process structure through value stream mapping; provided data analysis supporting key process design and re-engineering.
  • Managed and improved document control, corrective and preventative action plans and statistical data analysis and review.

6. Performance Improvement

Performance improvement means an overall improvement of a business process to accomplish and achieve enhancement of the efficiency of the function/process, and to make it more profitable and economical, while the stated goals or objectives are accurately achieved and in a cost and time-efficient manner. Performance improvements can occur at several levels, including the employee level, the team level, the department or unit level, and the organization as a whole.

Here's how process improvement engineers use performance improvement:
  • Implemented performance improvement training for all new and existing staff, resulting in increased awareness agency wide of performance improvement initiatives.
  • Assisted in supplier evaluation programs and proactive panel shop assessments including determining root cause for procurement issues and driving performance improvements.

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7. Lean Manufacturing

Here's how process improvement engineers use lean manufacturing:
  • Improved departmental productivity by training 60 scientists and technicians on several lean manufacturing and total quality management principles.
  • Provided and implemented solutions utilizing lean manufacturing principles while working with multiple management levels in each facility.

8. Patients

Here's how process improvement engineers use patients:
  • Obtained referrals, tracked hospitalized patients, interfaced with managed care intermediaries/medical personnel.
  • Coordinate with Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics in process improvement programs to meet target goals Pre-Hospital care of STEMI patients.

9. Process Improvement

Here's how process improvement engineers use process improvement:
  • Identified organizational process improvements and monitored implementation.
  • Managed the introduction and deployment of various software process improvements initiatives that resulted in increased product development's efficiency and effectiveness.

10. Business Process

A business process is a group of tasks that are performed by people working in a business to attain a worthy product and to present it to their customers. A business process can also be defined as performing several steps to achieve a certain goal set by a company. Business processes need to set purposeful goals and the outcome of that goal should be clear.

Here's how process improvement engineers use business process:
  • Analyzed business processes not performing to desired expectations and developed corrective action plans to meet and exceed business strategic plans.
  • Audited SunGard project and recommended use of Business Process Management methods for developing and rolling out WealthStation.

11. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how process improvement engineers use data collection:
  • Delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, data collection accuracy, and timeliness after launching a time management system.
  • Assigned to data collection and development/implementation of process changes for quality improvement, and waste reduction.

12. Performance Metrics

Here's how process improvement engineers use performance metrics:
  • Assisted in the development of program-wide standards for creating, measuring, and sustaining performance metrics across Bank Operations.
  • Design and analysis of key performance metrics like OEE, Equipment Downtime and First time through.

13. Visio

Visio or Microsoft Visio is computer software that allows users to create and draw vector graphics according to their requirements. The program is used to draw flowcharts, org charts, data flow diagrams, process flow diagrams, and modeling diagrams. Visio is also used to draw architectural designs including; building and floor plans, and 3D geographical maps.

Here's how process improvement engineers use visio:
  • Developed and delivered senior management presentations using Microsoft Power Point, Visio and PPM software.
  • Mapped process flows (Visio) for over thirty unique processes within one department to support re-platforming of essential systems.

14. Process Changes

Here's how process improvement engineers use process changes:
  • Provided long-term strategic and change management consultation, identified potential performance and operational inefficiencies and provided recommendations for process changes.
  • Developed process mapping of all licensing process to determine required system and process changes to maximize efficiency.

15. Quality Standards

Quality standards are a specific level of standards of products that are set by the companies for the customers that have to be met and maintained throughout the process until the time of delivery. Quality standards are information that includes the customer's requirements, guidelines, and characteristics for the needed final product or service.

Here's how process improvement engineers use quality standards:
  • Developed Quality Standards, for Distribution Center inbound and outbound loads, as well as Production.
  • Participate in weekly walkabouts to reinforce safety and quality standards on the floor.
top-skills

What skills help Process Improvement Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on process improvement engineer resumes?

Dr. Maria Benavides Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry Program Coordinator, Assistant Chair, University of Houston - Downtown

Apart from a good foundation in the chemistry discipline, skills that will stand out on resumes include: experience in various analytical techniques, excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing, ability to work collaboratively (team player), and the ability to think critically to find solutions to problems (problem solving). Another valuable skill nowadays would be to be competent in the use of technology for communication purposes (Zoom, etc.).

What process improvement engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Charles PurdumCharles Purdum LinkedIn profile

Professor of Practice and Director of Industry Relations, Pennsylvania State University

Certification, certification, certifications! Lean or Six Sigma green belt (e.g., ASQ.com), project management (e.g., PMI.com), and leadership skills.

What type of skills will young process improvement engineers need?

Dr. Lance Sherry Ph.D.Dr. Lance Sherry Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Director, Center for Air Transportation Systems Research Assoc. Professor, System Engineering and Operations Research Dept., George Mason University

Critical thinking - don't take things for granted. Instrumentalize the process, and collect the performance data. Analyse the data, and test hypotheses. Once the problem and issue are understood, then, and only then, develop a solution.

Too many times we rush in with a technology solution that does not really solve the problem.

Also go and listen to the stakeholders. Understand their perspectives and account for these perspectives in the design solution.
Too many times we rush in with a technology solution that causes more problems than it solves because we have not truly understood the perspectives of the stakeholders.

What technical skills for a process improvement engineer stand out to employers?

Tracy FarrellTracy Farrell LinkedIn profile

Adjunct Instructor, Clarkson University

Technical skills that employers are seeking include "real" computer skills like Microsoft Office Suite tools, proper communication skills via email and website development and postings, developing proper document format that is appropriate to send to stakeholders (i.e., letter formatting, report writing, email formatting); strong communication skills that include speaking professionally and respectfully to stakeholders as well as writing professionally (i.e., making eye contact when speaking, proper handshake, respectful dialogue including questioning); project management - knowing how to organize work and develop a timeline that includes who will be responsible for what and follow through; data analysis - being able to not only present data in an organized and understandable manner; but, be able to interpret data correctly offering the justification behind what they are interpreting and why.

Respectfully, today's graduates do not understand that being able to text and use social media does not prepare them for "real" computer skills. Many students that I have in high school and in college do not have proper writing skills, document formatting skills, or document management skills to know how to save documents properly and where to save to.

What soft skills should all process improvement engineers possess?

William Cross Ph.D.William Cross Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

The soft skills that all graduates should possess are primarily in communication - speaking/writing clearly, and listening/reading comprehension - and in teamwork skills. Being able to function in a variety of roles on a team is very important to success in many jobs.

What hard/technical skills are most important for process improvement engineers?

Dr. David Grewell Ph.D.

Department Chair and Professor, North Dakota State University

An IE must be able to break down complex problems into manageable issues and provide solutions for these problems that face the world in today's complex interconnected systems. A background in statistics, design and analysis, process management, and a strong foundation in the engineering disciplines make this possible.

List of process improvement engineer skills to add to your resume

Process improvement engineer skills

The most important skills for a process improvement engineer resume and required skills for a process improvement engineer to have include:

  • Lean Six Sigma
  • Sigma
  • Project Management
  • Healthcare
  • Data Analysis
  • Performance Improvement
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Patients
  • Process Improvement
  • Business Process
  • Data Collection
  • Performance Metrics
  • Visio
  • Process Changes
  • Quality Standards
  • ISO
  • Value Stream
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Corrective Action
  • Analyze Data
  • DMAIC
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Minitab
  • Technical Support
  • Kaizen Events
  • Cost Reduction
  • OEE
  • HR
  • SQL
  • Process Maps
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • CMMI
  • Autocad
  • Product Quality
  • CMS
  • Management System
  • SharePoint
  • Statistical Process Control
  • Six Sigma Training
  • Capital Projects
  • TPM
  • PLC
  • Post Implementation
  • Process Flow
  • FMEA
  • Cost Savings
  • ERP
  • R

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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