Lean Engineer

Vesuvius North America; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Vesuvius North America in Cleveland is seeking a Lean/Process Engineer to lead continuous improvement at the local manufacturing site. You will deploy lean methodologies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and optimize processes aligned with strategic objectives.

You will coach teams, drive culture change, and partner across Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to deliver safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements through structured problem-solving and training.

Qualifications

• Lead and deliver lean transformation projects using structured problem solving (A3, Kaizen, DMAIC, PDCA).
• Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement through engagement, coaching, and collaboration across the organization.
• Identify and remove non-value-added activities with VSM, 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, and RCA.

Responsibilities

• Lead lean transformation projects across the site using structured problem-solving methods.
• Coach and engage employees to drive continuous improvement and collaboration across levels.
• Identify non-value-added activities with tools like Value Stream Mapping, 5S, and root cause analysis.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to align improvements with business goals.
• Track KPIs for lean initiatives and ensure accountability for results.
• Develop and deliver lean training materials to build internal capability.
• Drive Lean initiatives on the shop floor.
• Ensure improvements meet safety, quality, and compliance requirements.

Skills

Lean methods

A3 & Kaizen

DMAIC/PDCA

Value Stream Mapping

5S

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-functional work

Coaching

Job description

Job Description:

The Lean / Process Engineer is key in leading continuous improvement initiatives across the Cleveland manufacturing site. This position is responsible for deploying lean methodologies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and optimize processes aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. As a change agent, this role will influence culture, foster total employee involvement, and drive sustainable safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements.

Key Result Areas:

• Lead and support lean transformation projects using structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., A3, Kaizen, DMAIC, PDCA).


• Champion a culture of continuous improvement through employee engagement, coaching, and collaboration across all levels of the organization.


• Identify and eliminate non-value-added activities using tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, and Root Cause Analysis.


• Partner with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Operations) to align process improvements with business goals.


• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to lean initiatives; ensure accountability for results.


• Develop and deliver lean training materials to build internal capability and support change management efforts.


• Drive Lean Initiatives on the shop floor


• Ensure all improvement activities align with safety standards, quality expectations, and compliance requirements.

Behaviors

Preferred

• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them


• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking


• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject


• Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Motivations

Preferred

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help


• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks


• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.