Lean CI Manufacturing Engineer: Kaizen & NPD Lead

IDEX Corporation; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GAST Manufacturing, a unit of IDEX Corporation, seeks a Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer to drive waste reduction, variation control, and productivity improvements across new and existing products. You will lead Kaizen events, develop standard work, and collaborate with design and operations to ensure robust processes.

The role bridges engineering, operations and quality, delivering products that meet performance, cost, and schedule targets while advancing CI roadmaps and SQDC goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of production experience preferred.
• Strong CI background with knowledge of 5S, Kaizen, Lean and Value Stream Mapping.
• Experience identifying large cost centers and driving improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and lean activities to drive improvements.
• Develop standard work, visual management, and 5S programs.
• Lead NPD processes from design validation to product launch.
• Develop and validate manufacturing processes for new products.
• Collaborate with design to optimize manufacturability.
• Conduct PFMEA, capability studies, and pilot builds.
• Train production staff and standardize documentation.
• Track KPIs like first-pass yield, ramp-up time and launch readiness.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Problem solving

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing/engineering

Tools

5S

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

Poke-Yoke

Automation equipment

Job description

GAST Manufacturing, a unit of IDEX Corporation, seeks a Continuous Improvement Manufacturing Engineer to drive waste reduction, variation control, and productivity improvements across new and existing products. You will lead Kaizen events, develop standard work, and collaborate with design and operations to ensure robust processes.

The role bridges engineering, operations and quality, delivering products that meet performance, cost, and schedule targets while advancing CI roadmaps and SQDC goals.