Lead Industrial Engineer - Lean Manufacturing

Placements24; United States; Remote; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan with company match

Professional development

Remote work stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Industrial Engineer with Lean expertise to steer a fully remote transformation across global manufacturing operations. You will drive strategic lean initiatives, mentor engineering teams, and embed continuous improvement from a home office.

The role requires a strong track record in Lean Six Sigma, VSM, Kaizen, and related tools, with the ability to influence stakeholders virtually and deliver measurable results at scale.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years in industrial engineering with 5+ years leading lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification mandatory.
• Experience facilitating VSM, Kaizen events, and implementing lean tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the company's lean manufacturing strategy remotely.
• Drive continuous improvement using VSM, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Poka-Yoke, and SMED.
• Mentor cross-functional teams on lean principles and practices.
• Analyze processes to identify waste and create action plans with data-driven insights.
• Facilitate remote Kaizen events and improvement workshops.
• Develop and track KPIs related to lean implementation and efficiency.
• Standardize processes across facilities to ensure consistency.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Value Stream Mapping

5S

Kaizen events

Kanban

Poka-Yoke

SMED

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the advanced manufacturing sector, is seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Lead Industrial Engineer specializing in Lean Manufacturing to join their fully remote team. This is a critical leadership role focused on driving significant operational improvements through the application of lean principles across the organization. As a remote-first position, you will spearhead initiatives, mentor engineering teams, and collaborate virtually to embed lean methodologies, optimize workflows, and eliminate waste in all aspects of production and operations. We are looking for an expert with a deep passion for continuous improvement and a proven track record of successfully transforming manufacturing processes using lean tools and techniques. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the operational excellence of a leading company from your home office, providing strategic direction and implementing best practices on a global scale. The ideal candidate is a natural leader, an excellent communicator, and a master of lean transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the company's lean manufacturing strategy across all operational sites, managing the process remotely.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by implementing lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S, Kaizen events, Kanban, Poka-Yoke, and SMED.
• Mentor and coach cross-functional teams, including production, engineering, and quality personnel, on lean principles and practices.
• Analyze production processes to identify waste, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement, developing data-driven action plans.
• Facilitate and lead remote Kaizen events and continuous improvement workshops.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to lean implementation and operational efficiency, reporting progress to senior management.
• Standardize processes and best practices across different facilities to ensure consistency and optimal performance.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving throughout the organization.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging best practices in lean manufacturing and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in industrial engineering, with at least 5 years specifically focused on leading lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma is mandatory.
• Demonstrated expertise in facilitating VSM, Kaizen events, and implementing a wide range of lean tools and methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, drive change, and achieve measurable results in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels in a virtual setting.
• Experience with performance management systems and process automation is a plus.
• Must be highly self-motivated, organized, and capable of working effectively autonomously in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive salary and a comprehensive benefits package befitting a leadership role.
• As a fully remote position, you will enjoy unparalleled flexibility and work-life balance.
• Benefits include premium health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, and a robust retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Significant investment in professional development, including advanced training and leadership programs, is provided.
• You will be part of an elite team driving operational excellence for a leading manufacturer.
• Our client fosters an environment of innovation and rewards outstanding performance.
• This is a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on manufacturing operations from your home office, with significant scope for career advancement within the organization.