Lean Engineer

Vesuvius USA; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vesuvius USA is seeking a Lean / Process Engineer to lead continuous improvement at the Cleveland manufacturing site. The role deploys lean methodologies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and optimize processes aligned with strategic objectives.

The position acts as a change agent, fostering total employee involvement while driving safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements. Expect collaboration with engineering, quality, maintenance, and operations teams.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading lean transformation initiatives.
• Ability to coach and engage across all organizational levels.
• Strong problem-solving and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deploy lean transformation projects using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Champion continuous improvement through engagement and coaching across the organization.
• Identify and eliminate non-value-added activities using lean tools and methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align improvements with business goals.
• Track KPIs related to lean initiatives and ensure accountability for results.
• Develop and deliver lean training materials to build internal capability.

Skills

A3

Kaizen

DMAIC

PDCA

Value Stream Mapping

5S

Standard Work

Visual Management

Root Cause Analysis

Tools

LEAN tools

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

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
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