Continuous Improvement Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Continuous Improvement Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa, requiring a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, operations management, or a closely related field. Employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics regularly file LCAs for these positions, making sponsored roles more accessible than many candidates expect.
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Get Access To All JobsAt ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Business Process Manager
Your role and responsibilities (Mandatory)
Openings available for Continuous Improvement Specialist at Industrial Connections and Solutions, LLC (An ABB Company) in Mebane, North Carolina:
- Manage the portfolio of business improvement projects (Advanced Manufacturing Site system tools heatmap) and ensure benefits delivery and execution of these projects with desired quality, on time, and within budget.
- Work closely with site teams responsible for manufacturing equipment to provide technical guidance and support in the integration of equipment for Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and SAP ECC.
- Provide manufacturing execution systems operational support, documentation, administration, deployment, configuration, and maintenance for development, test, and production environments across manufacturing sites.
- Drive best practice sharing, cross-PGU collaboration, and reuse of processes, tools, and expert knowledge throughout the business, specifically in the arena of advanced manufacturing.
- Supervise risk management strategies for the local unit and ensure actions taken to mitigate and control risks.
- Perform subject matter expert role across the HUB in the arena of manufacturing execution, quality and logistics.
- Develop and present systems strategies, technical roadmaps, risks and recommendations to senior leaders across ABB.
- Ensure efficient integration of processes and technologies from both a global and local operational unit perspective.
- Engage in all project phases to ensure effective handoffs and cross-team knowledge transfer.
- Develop and execute a Business Analysis strategy in the advanced manufacturing domain that are in line with business strategic objectives.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Requires a bachelor’s or foreign equivalent degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field and 8 years of experience implementing SAP ERP modules and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) projects.
- Must have 8 years of experience in each of the following:
- Performing project and change management role for mid-to-large size projects
- Facilitating communications between stakeholders and across organizational units
-
Configuring, implementing, and troubleshooting SAP ERP ECC modules including Quality Module (QM), Production Planning module (PP), and Variant Configurator module (VC).
-
Must have 5 years of experience in each of the following:
- Implementing SAP ECC module: Material Master module (MM)
- Configuring and implementing EDI communications with external customers and vendors
- Implementing and configuring Process Weaver application to support shipment activities
-
Implementing SAP ECC in discrete manufacturing business models and documenting value-add improvements in operational and financial metrics.
-
Must have 1 year of experience in each of the following:
- Implementing SAP ECC module: Warehouse module (WM)
- Supporting S/4HANA upgrade projects and performing end-user training.
Experience may be, but need not be, acquired concurrently. Position reports to Mebane, NC office. Telecommuting permitted in accordance with company policy, but must live within commuting distance of stated office.
What's in it for you
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees [excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more.
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Business Process Manager
Your role and responsibilities (Mandatory)
Openings available for Continuous Improvement Specialist at Industrial Connections and Solutions, LLC (An ABB Company) in Mebane, North Carolina:
- Manage the portfolio of business improvement projects (Advanced Manufacturing Site system tools heatmap) and ensure benefits delivery and execution of these projects with desired quality, on time, and within budget.
- Work closely with site teams responsible for manufacturing equipment to provide technical guidance and support in the integration of equipment for Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and SAP ECC.
- Provide manufacturing execution systems operational support, documentation, administration, deployment, configuration, and maintenance for development, test, and production environments across manufacturing sites.
- Drive best practice sharing, cross-PGU collaboration, and reuse of processes, tools, and expert knowledge throughout the business, specifically in the arena of advanced manufacturing.
- Supervise risk management strategies for the local unit and ensure actions taken to mitigate and control risks.
- Perform subject matter expert role across the HUB in the arena of manufacturing execution, quality and logistics.
- Develop and present systems strategies, technical roadmaps, risks and recommendations to senior leaders across ABB.
- Ensure efficient integration of processes and technologies from both a global and local operational unit perspective.
- Engage in all project phases to ensure effective handoffs and cross-team knowledge transfer.
- Develop and execute a Business Analysis strategy in the advanced manufacturing domain that are in line with business strategic objectives.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Requires a bachelor’s or foreign equivalent degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field and 8 years of experience implementing SAP ERP modules and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) projects.
- Must have 8 years of experience in each of the following:
- Performing project and change management role for mid-to-large size projects
- Facilitating communications between stakeholders and across organizational units
-
Configuring, implementing, and troubleshooting SAP ERP ECC modules including Quality Module (QM), Production Planning module (PP), and Variant Configurator module (VC).
-
Must have 5 years of experience in each of the following:
- Implementing SAP ECC module: Material Master module (MM)
- Configuring and implementing EDI communications with external customers and vendors
- Implementing and configuring Process Weaver application to support shipment activities
-
Implementing SAP ECC in discrete manufacturing business models and documenting value-add improvements in operational and financial metrics.
-
Must have 1 year of experience in each of the following:
- Implementing SAP ECC module: Warehouse module (WM)
- Supporting S/4HANA upgrade projects and performing end-user training.
Experience may be, but need not be, acquired concurrently. Position reports to Mebane, NC office. Telecommuting permitted in accordance with company policy, but must live within commuting distance of stated office.
What's in it for you
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees [excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more.
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
See all Continuous Improvement Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Continuous Improvement Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Continuous Improvement Specialist
Frame your credentials around specialty occupation
Your degree field must directly relate to the CI Specialist role, not just your work history. Industrial engineering, operations management, or applied statistics degrees tie most cleanly to USCIS specialty occupation requirements. A business degree alone may trigger an RFE.
Target industries with active LCA filing histories
Manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and hospital systems file LCAs for Continuous Improvement roles far more consistently than retail or hospitality. Filtering your search to these sectors cuts time spent chasing employers with no sponsorship track record.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate for Continuous Improvement Specialist roles filtered by employers with verified LCA sponsorship history. This surfaces companies that have already navigated the filing process for this exact occupation, so you're not starting the conversation from scratch.
Verify prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
Run your city and job title through the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating. CI Specialist roles often fall at Wage Level II or III depending on scope. If the offer sits below the certified wage, the LCA can't be filed and the offer stalls.
Get your Lean or Six Sigma credentials documented early
Certifications like Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Master aren't required, but they strengthen the specialty occupation argument in your petition. Have official certificates ready before your employer's immigration attorney drafts the I-129 to avoid delays.
Clarify the employer's H-1B timeline against the annual cap
H-1B petitions are subject to an annual cap and a lottery with rules that have changed recently. Ask your prospective employer when they plan to register and confirm they understand the current selection mechanics. A missed registration window means waiting a full year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Continuous Improvement Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS looks for a direct relationship between the job duties and a specific bachelor's degree field. CI Specialist roles grounded in industrial engineering, operations research, or quality management systems typically satisfy this requirement. Roles described in generalist terms, such as 'process improvement analyst' with no degree requirement stated, can draw RFEs, so the job description language matters.
Which visa types are realistic for a Continuous Improvement Specialist seeking U.S. sponsorship?
H-1B is the most common path for employer-sponsored CI Specialists. Canadian and Mexican nationals with qualifying degrees should also evaluate the TN visa under the USMCA, which covers industrial engineers and engineers broadly and doesn't require a lottery. Australian nationals can apply for the E-3 visa, which has a separate cap that has never been exhausted. Each route requires a job offer before the application begins.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor visas for this role?
Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified sponsorship histories for Continuous Improvement Specialist roles, searchable by location and industry. This saves you from cold-applying to companies that have never navigated the process.
Does my degree field affect whether my employer can sponsor me?
It affects the strength of the petition significantly. Industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, operations management, and applied statistics degrees align most directly with CI Specialist duties. If your degree is in a broader field like general business or liberal arts, your employer's attorney will need to build a more detailed nexus argument connecting your coursework to the role's technical requirements, which increases the risk of an RFE from USCIS.
Can a Continuous Improvement Specialist on OPT or STEM OPT switch to H-1B with the same employer?
Yes. If you're already working as a CI Specialist on F-1 OPT or STEM OPT and your employer wants to retain you, they file an H-1B petition on your behalf during the annual registration window. If selected, your OPT authorization bridges the gap until October 1 of that year under the cap-gap rule. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to use the STEM OPT extension, which is a prerequisite before the H-1B transition becomes relevant.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Continuous Improvement Specialist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.