Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing to join a growing manufacturing organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Lean Manufacturing principles, experience within automotive and/or manufacturing environments, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a passion for driving continuous improvement.

This individual will play a critical role in optimizing manufacturing processes, reducing waste, improving efficiency, and supporting new product launches while ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved. This is a unique opportunity to help build and refine world-class manufacturing systems, develop organizational capability, and influence the culture of a rapidly growing operation.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing System Development & Optimization

• Analyze, design, and improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing methodologies including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Kanban, and other continuous improvement tools.
• Conduct time studies, line balancing activities, and capacity analyses to optimize labor and equipment utilization.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity improvements, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams to align manufacturing strategies and operational goals.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and launch activities, including process flow development, workstation design, PFMEA participation, and control plan implementation.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track key manufacturing performance indicators and develop dashboards to measure operational effectiveness.
• Analyze performance trends and develop action plans to drive measurable improvements.
• Maintain process documentation and support standardized work development.

Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Provide training, coaching, and mentorship to operators and team members on Lean principles and best practices.
• Facilitate problem-solving activities using structured root cause analysis methodologies.
• Drive employee engagement in process improvement initiatives and waste elimination efforts.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 8+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, 6+ years with a Master's degree, or 3+ years with a PhD.
• Experience in automotive and/or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and process optimization initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing methodologies, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement techniques.
• Lean Manufacturing certification.
• Proven ability to deliver sustainable process improvements and cost savings.
• Experience developing value stream maps and aligning operational metrics with KPI dashboards.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt.
• Experience supporting manufacturing startup, expansion, or plant launch activities.
• Proficiency with Visio and Minitab.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods in a manufacturing environment.

#IND1

#ZR

Using the best business practices obtained from many years of experience in Business, Law, and Recruiting and Staffing, the Founders at CrossFire Group (“CrossFire”) started in downtown Royal Oak, MI more than a decade ago. With backgrounds in Information Technology (IT) and the Legal Industry, CrossFire began placing by IT and Legal Professionals in contract and direct-hire positions throughout the Midwest.

Since our founding, CrossFire has grown into a full-service Human Capital Solutions Organization. We are proud of now providing full services beyond recruiting and staffing. Our portfolio of services includes HR supply chain management, human resources consulting, and many customized Human Resource related services.

Company Description

Using the best business practices obtained from many years of experience in Business, Law, and Recruiting and Staffing, the Founders at CrossFire Group (“CrossFire”) started in downtown Royal Oak, MI more than a decade ago. With backgrounds in Information Technology (IT) and the Legal Industry, CrossFire began placing by IT and Legal Professionals in contract and direct-hire positions throughout the Midwest.\r\n\r\nSince our founding, CrossFire has grown into a full-service Human Capital Solutions Organization. We are proud of now providing full services beyond recruiting and staffing. Our portfolio of services includes HR supply chain management, human resources consulting, and many customized Human Resource related services.