Industrial Engineer-Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication

Lumentum Operations LLC; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 71,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumentum Operations LLC in Greensboro, NC is seeking a highly analytical Industrial Engineer to support capacity planning, Lean initiatives, and automation in a semiconductor wafer fab. You will model capacity, lead cross-functional improvement projects, and partner with manufacturing, engineering, planning, and finance to drive throughputs and scalable growth.

Candidates should have a BS in industrial/manufacturing engineering, 5+ years in high-tech manufacturing, strong Excel and data

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in high-tech manufacturing; wafer fab experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in Lean, continuous improvement, or process optimization.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, data modeling, and visualization tools (Power BI/Tableau).
• Familiarity with SQL, Python, or automation concepts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Capacity Modeling & Factory Analysis: develop and improve fab capacity models; analyze WIP flow, bottlenecks, cycle time; provide data-driven insights to leadership.
• Continuous Improvement & Lean Execution: lead Lean initiatives (A3s, SMED, 5S) and drive standard work and process stability.
• Automation & Reporting: build dashboards (Power BI/Tableau) and automate reports; collaborate with IT/Automation on data accuracy.
• Project Leadership & Execution: manage cross-functional projects, timelines, resources, and stakeholder updates.
• Operational Support & Analysis: conduct time studies, layout evaluations, and value stream mapping; monitor performance vs plan.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Lean principles

Proactive mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

5+ years in high-tech wafer fab manufacturing

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

SQL

Python

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! We are seeking a highly analytical and detail oriented Industrial Engineer to support introduction of new technology, capacity planning, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency within a semiconductor wafer fabrication environment. This role is responsible for factory project management, developing factory capacity models, driving Lean and automation initiatives, and leading cross functional improvement projects that reduce waste, improve throughput, and enhance overall fab performance. The Industrial Engineer will partner with manufacturing, engineering, planning, automation, and finance teams to ensure optimized factory operations and scalable growth.

Role and Responsibilities:

1. 1. Capacity Modeling & Factory Analysis Develop, maintain, and improve detailed fab capacity models. Analyze WIP flow, bottlenecks, cycle time, and resource constraints. Perform variance analysis against projections and historical trends. Provide capacity insights to support staffing, capital planning, and production strategy. Partner with leadership to guide decisions using data‑driven recommendations.
2. 2. Continuous Improvement & Lean Execution Lead Lean initiatives including A3s, SMED events, 5S, and waste‑reduction efforts. Design and coordinate Continuous Improvement Walks across the fab. Promote Lean culture by engaging operators, technicians, and supervisors in improvement activities. Create standard work and drive process stability and consistency. Evaluate and streamline workflows to improve throughput and reduce non‑value‑added activity.
3. 3. Automation & Reporting Build and maintain dashboards (Power BI/Tableau) for cycle time, outs/moves, WIP health, and fab performance metrics. Support automation of reports, forecast models, and dispatching systems (Python, SQL, FPS ETL improvements). Collaborate with IT/Automation to improve step‑based dispatching, system logic, and data accuracy. Enhance digital processes to eliminate manual effort and increase reporting reliability.
4. 4. Project Leadership & Execution Lead cross‑functional projects such as, new technology introduction, tool moves, workflow redesigns, cycle‑time reduction initiatives, and cost‑saving efforts. Develop timelines, objectives, and resource requirements for assigned projects. Coordinate with manufacturing, engineering, facilities, and planning to ensure project success. Prepare and deliver progress updates to stakeholders and leadership. Support technology transfers or factory transitions as needed.
5. 5. Operational Support & Analysis Conduct time studies, layout evaluations, and value stream mapping. Diagnose dispatching, WIP, or scheduling issues and recommend improvements. Evaluate performance against plan and provide early indicators of risk. Support monthly projections and financial planning inputs. Serve as a key contributor to cycle time improvement strategies.

Education and Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related technical field. 5+ years of experience in high‑tech manufacturing; wafer fab experience preferred. Demonstrated experience in Lean, continuous improvement, or process optimization. Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, data modeling, and visualization tools (Power BI/Tableau). Familiarity with SQL, Python, or automation concepts preferred. Experience leading cross‑functional projects.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical abilities
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles (A3, SMED, 5S, VSM)
• Proactive, resourceful, and solution‑oriented mindset

Other Requirements:

Occasional travel may be required for project support, training, or cross‑site collaboration.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $70,500 – 130,000USD. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Lumentum is illuminating the networks of tomorrow with advanced photonic technologies that enable AI, data centers, telecom, industrial, and sensing applications. As AI accelerates the global demand for bandwidth and energy efficiency, we deliver the building blocks that keep data moving reliably, efficiently, and at massive scale. Our optical products support AI and compute infrastructure, cloud and DCI environments, metro and long‑haul networks, while our lasers drive breakthroughs in precision manufacturing and sensing. For nearly five decades, Lumentum has been at the intersection of light and innovation. What began as a vision with JDS Uniphase to harness the power of photonics has evolved into a global force driving the communication infrastructure of tomorrow. At Lumentum, we’re building more than a business—we’re building a team of passionate innovators whose drive to collaborate, create, and connect the world fuels everything we do. We are part of the AI technology revolution and we are illuminating the path forward. Headquartered in San Jose, California, we operate worldwide through a network of R&D, manufacturing, and sales locations.