Lean Manufacturing Engineer

Lean Manufacturing ManagerRTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals.Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility – you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer.At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission!The Lean Manufacturing Manager owns the lean deployment roadmap for the assigned RTCA site. This role builds lean capability across the organization by coaching site leaders, supervisors, engineers, and value-stream teams; leading value-stream mapping and Kaizen events; and developing standard work, visual management, and daily accountability systems that improve flow, productivity, and quality-at-the-source. The Lean Manufacturing Manager works through Operations rather than around it, partnering closely with Site Leadership, Operations, Quality, Business Systems, Engineering, and HR to translate lean methods into measurable, sustained business results and to build a pipeline of internal lean talent.The Lean Manufacturing Manager will be working a full-time, onsite position at our Sumner, WA location.Create and maintain the site lean deployment roadmap tied to business priorities and measurable operating results.Coach site leaders, supervisors, engineers, and value-stream teams in lean thinking and practical application.Lead value-stream mapping and convert future-state designs into prioritized implementation plans.Establish a disciplined Kaizen system, including event selection, preparation, facilitation, follow-through, and benefit validation.Develop and sustain 5S, visual management, standard work, leader standard work, daily accountability, and structured problem-solving systems.Partner with Operations on flow, pull, layout, line balance, takt, capacity, constraints, setup reduction, and productivity improvement.Build internal lean capability through training, coaching, certification/qualification standards, and practitioner development.Maintain an improvement funnel and transparent reporting of actions, savings, productivity, lead-time, and quality/sustainment results.Ensure improvements transition into normal operational ownership and, where appropriate, controlled business processes.Advise the Site Leader and Operations leadership on where lean resources will create the greatest business impact.Develop the lean team, assign resources, set standards, and build a healthy pipeline of internal lean talent.Performs other duties as assigned.Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience.Typically 7-10+ years of manufacturing/operations experience, including significant leadership of lean transformations.Demonstrated, site-level lean/continuous improvement transformation results (VSM, Kaizen, standard work, flow/pull, daily management).Strong leadership coaching skills and executive-level communication, with the ability to advise and influence site leadership.Deep, practical lean knowledge that goes beyond classroom certification, gained through hands-on application.Ability to prioritize a portfolio of improvement work and balance near-term operating needs with longer-term system development.Financial fluency and the ability to validate and communicate the business impact of operational improvements.Experience developing and mentoring other lean practitioners (coordinators, engineers, senior engineers).Must meet Export Control compliance requirements as a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15.Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent advanced lean/CI certification.Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated precision manufacturing environments.Experience with AS9100 or similar quality management systems.Multi-site or enterprise-level exposure to operational excellence deployment.Experience building or scaling a lean function from an early or developing stage.Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage planHSA-eligible health plan with employer contributionsBasic and supplemental life insuranceLong-term disability coverage401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company matchPaid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidaysShift differentials for applicable off-shiftsDiscretionary bonus programs based on position and company performanceThe Lean Manufacturing Manager compensation range for onsite Sumner, WA applicants is $120,000 - 135,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Other site ranges may differ.RTCA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.