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.

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