Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing

Slate Auto LLC; Warsaw (KY); On-site; USD 96,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing to join our team in the United States. The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement, optimize processes, reduce waste, and support new product launches while ensuring safety, quality, and cost targets.

You will lead SPS development, apply Lean tools, perform time studies, line balancing, and collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Production and Supply Chain to align manufacturing strategies.

Qualifications

• 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience preferably in an automotive and/or manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record in Lean Manufacturing implementation, process optimization, and plant launch activities.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing is required.
• Six Sigma Green Belt is preferred.
• Proven track record of delivering sustainable cost savings and process improvements.
• Ability to align maps with KPI dashboards for tracking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize Slate Production System (SPS).
• Analyze, design, and improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing tools (Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Kanban) to streamline operations.
• Conduct time studies, line balancing, and capacity analysis to optimize labor and equipment utilization.
• Lead or support continuous improvement projects focused on cost reduction, productivity, and quality enhancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain) to ensure alignment on manufacturing strategies.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and launch readiness activities, including process flow design, workstation setup, PFMEA, and control plans.
• Documentation & Reporting Monitor and report KPI performance, developing dashboards and action plans for improvement.
• Process Improvement Leadership Provide training and mentoring to operators and team members on Lean practices and continuous improvement culture.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

5S

Kanban

Leadership / training

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD or equivalent

Tools

VISIO

Minitab

Microsoft Office

Job description

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate, we’re building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Lean Manufacturing principles, experience in an automotive and/or manufacturing industry, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives. The Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing will play a critical role in optimizing processes, reducing waste, improving efficiency, and supporting new product launches, while ensuring safety, quality, and cost targets are consistently met. Above all, we want someone who is passionate about driving process, excellence, building capability in others, and shaping the culture of a new manufacturing organization. This role is a unique opportunity to help build and refine world-class manufacturing.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

• Slate Production System (SPS) Development & Optimization.
• Analyze, design, and improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing tools (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Kanban, etc.) to streamline operations.
• Conduct time studies, line balancing, and capacity analysis to optimize labor and equipment utilization.
• Lead or support continuous improvement projects focused on cost reduction, productivity, and quality enhancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain) to ensure alignment on manufacturing strategies.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and launch readiness activities, including process flow design, workstation setup, PFMEA, and control plans.
• Documentation & Reporting Monitor and report KPI performance, developing dashboards and action plans for improvement.
• Process Improvement Leadership Provide training and mentoring to operators and team members on Lean practices and continuous improvement culture.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience preferably in an automotive and/or manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record in Lean Manufacturing implementation, process optimization, and plant launch activities.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, and problem‑solving methodologies.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing is required.
• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt is preferred.
• Proven track record of delivering sustainable cost savings and process improvements.
• Ability to align maps with KPI dashboards for tracking.
• Start‑up experience is desirable, but not required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced automotive development environment.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively influence teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency with VISIO and Minitab is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%).
• Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

SALARY RANGE

Base Pay Range (Annual) 96,332.80 - 144,499.20 USD Annual

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

• Safety First
• Delight Customers
• One Team
• Relentless Improvement
• Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy
• Respectful Collaboration
• Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and ... We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason. Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at slate‑[e-mail].

ABOUT US

At Slate, we’ve got one job: building a vehicle you’ll fall in love with, right here in the USA. We believe that car buyers—not car companies—should call the shots. We like looking at a road, not a screen. We don’t like paying for stuff we don’t need. We like picking out the stuff we do need. We think dings are badges, not blemishes. But we know not everyone likes what we like. So, we built you a Slate: you make it yours.