Engineering Manager, Continuous Improvement (Lean) Manager

Danfoss GmbH; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Danfoss Power Solutions in Cleveland, OH is seeking an Engineering Manager for Continuous Improvement and Lean leadership. You will guide manufacturing engineering, process improvement, automation, and capital projects to achieve SQDCI goals.

Responsibilities include leading a multidisciplinary team, establishing standards, and driving Lean/ Six Sigma initiatives to improve productivity and profitability. On-site role with opportunities to shape an advanced manufacturing culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading capital projects and manufacturing process improvements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team to support production, quality, safety, and business objectives.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices, and process controls to improve operational effectiveness.
• Direct capital expenditure planning, equipment selection, automation projects, and facility improvements.
• Drive problem-solving activities utilizing Root Cause Analysis, 8D, A3, and Six Sigma.
• Support new product introductions, product transfers, and process validations.
• Develop Lean Manufacturing strategy and Continuous Improvement roadmap.
• Lead Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Problem solving

Analytical skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

Engineering Manager, Continuous Improvement (Lean) Manager

Req ID: 50365

Job Location: Cleveland, OH, US

Employment Type: Full Time

Segment: Danfoss Power Solutions Segment

Job Category: Supply Chain and Operations

Work Location Type: On-site

The Impact You'll Make

Now is a great time to join our Power Solutions Team in Brooklyn!

The Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing engineering, process engineering, automation, capital project, and continuous improvement activities within the facility. This role is accountable for driving operational excellence through the implementation of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement principles while ensuring the plant achieves its safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory (SQDCI) objectives.

The Engineering Manager serves as a key member of the plant leadership team and provides strategic direction for engineering initiatives, process improvements, productivity enhancement, capacity expansion, and the development of a continuous improvement culture across the organization.

What You'll Be Doing

Engineering Leadership

• Lead and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team to support production, quality, safety, and business objectives.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices, and process controls to improve operational effectiveness.
• Direct capital expenditure planning, equipment selection, automation projects, and facility improvements.
• Drive problem-solving activities utilizing structured methodologies such as Root Cause Analysis, 8D, A3, and Six Sigma.
• Support new product introductions, product transfers, and process validations.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and execute the facility's Lean Manufacturing strategy and Continuous Improvement roadmap.
• Lead Kaizen events, value stream mapping activities, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Drive implementation of Lean tools, including5S,Standard Work,Visual Management, Daily Management Systems,SMED, TPM, Kanban, Cellular Manufacturing, Problem Solving and A3 Thinking
• Establish and monitor plant performance metrics and ensure corrective actions are implemented when targets are missed.
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous learning throughout the organization.

Operational Excellence

• Drive productivity improvements and cost reduction initiatives to support annual operating plans.
• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), labor productivity, throughput, and manufacturing lead times.
• Support inventory reduction and material flow optimization initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to improve contribution margin and overall plant profitability.
• Ensure continuous improvement projects deliver measurable financial and operational results.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Experience leading capital projects and manufacturing process improvements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in a unionized manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of machining, assembly, testing, and manufacturing operations.

What You'll Get from Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You'll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
• You'll receive benefits likeannual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they're worth asking about—we think they're pretty great.

Information at a Glance

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.

Danfoss engineers solutions that increase machine productivity, reduce emissions, lower energy consumption, and enable electrification.

Our solutions are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, power conversion, motor control, industrial machinery, marine, and on- and off-highway equipment. We also provide solutions for data centers, renewable energy, energy storage, heat recovery, as well as contribute to district energy solutions for cities.

Our innovative engineering dates back to 1933. Danfoss is family-owned and employs over 39,000 people. We create long-term value for our customers in more than 100 countries with a global footprint of around 100 factories.