Lean Engineer Entry level

Gotion Inc.; Manteno (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Gotion Inc. is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented new graduate Lean Engineer to join our battery manufacturing team in Manteno, Illinois. This role is perfect for early-career engineers who are passionate about Lean Manufacturing and data-driven problem-solving.

As a Lean Engineer, you'll support OEE improvement and waste reduction while gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. The US base salary for this full-time position is between $65,000 and $70,000, plus a 15% bonus.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in Lean Manufacturing and operations excellence.
• Internship or co-op experience in manufacturing is a plus.
• Basic understanding of Lean principles is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Support Lean Engineers in analyzing OEE data for performance improvement.
• Assist in identifying production losses and participate in root cause analysis.
• Help implement improvement actions and verify effectiveness through data tracking.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Data-driven problem solving

Continuous improvement

Good communication skills

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

We are seeking a motivated, detail‑oriented new graduate Lean Engineer to join our battery manufacturing team. This role is designed for early‑career engineers who are passionate about Lean Manufacturing, data-driven problem solving, and continuous improvement in a fast‑paced, high‑tech production environment.

As a Lean Engineer, you will be trained and mentored to support OEE improvement, waste reduction, process stability, and Lean culture development across our battery production lines. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on manufacturing experience while contributing to the future of electric mobility.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Lean Engineers and Leadership in analyzing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) data, including Availability, Performance, and Quality.
• Assist in identifying production losses related to downtime, inefficiencies, defects, and material flow.
• Participate in root cause analysis activities using Lean problem‑solving methods (5 Why, PDCA, basic A3).
• Help implement improvement actions and verify their effectiveness through data tracking.
• Participate in Kaizen events and Lean improvement projects focused on safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
• Support cross‑functional teams including Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering.
• Collect data, document current‑state processes, and help develop standard work and visual controls.
• Encourage employee participation in idea and proposal‑based improvements.
• Use Excel and basic statistical tools to analyze manufacturing data and identify trends.
• Prepare reports, charts, and presentations to communicate findings and improvement results.
• Support the creation and maintenance of visual management boards for OEE and KPI tracking.
• Learn and apply core Lean principles such as:
• 5S and workplace organization
• Standard Work

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong interest in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and operations excellence.
• Internship, co‑op, or academic project experience in manufacturing or engineering is a plus.
• Basic understanding of Lean principles (coursework acceptable).
• Strong analytical mindset with an interest in working with production data.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in team environments.
• Strong learning ability, curiosity, and willingness to work in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or Operations coursework.
• Experience using Excel for data analysis (pivot tables, charts, basic formulas).
• Familiarity with manufacturing concepts such as OEE, takt time, or process flow.
• Interest in EVs, batteries, energy storage, or advanced manufacturing

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $65-70K + 15% bonus + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Base pay is one part of our total compensation package at Gotion, and is determined within a range. This provides you with the opportunity to progress as you grow and advance your career at Gotion. The base pay range for this role is shown below, and will depend on your skills, qualifications, experiences, and location.

Expected Pay Range

$65,000 - $75,000 USD

Gotion Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.

We provide equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), parental status, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other characteristic protected by law.

At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.