Lean Engineer

Vesuvius North America; Kentucky; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vesuvius North America is seeking a Lean / Process Engineer to lead continuous improvement initiatives at the Cleveland manufacturing site. This role is pivotal in deploying lean methodologies to streamline operations, reduce waste, and optimize processes. The position requires engaging with employees at all levels and executing projects that align with strategic business goals.

Ideal candidates will have strong problem-solving skills, experience with lean tools, and a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Lead and support lean transformation projects using structured problem-solving.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement through engagement and coaching.
• Develop and deliver lean training materials for internal capability.

Responsibilities

• Identify and eliminate non-value-added activities.
• Partner with teams to align process improvements with business goals.
• Track and report key performance indicators for lean initiatives.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Problem-solving techniques

Employee engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

KPI tracking

Tools

Value Stream Mapping

5S

Kaizen

DMAIC

PDCA

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.