Lean Industrial Engineer

Slate Auto; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing to join our team in the United States. The role centers on applying lean tools to optimize processes, reduce waste, and support new product launches while upholding safety, quality, and cost targets.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree and Lean/Six Sigma credentials. You will lead continuous improvement initiatives and collaborate across Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply

Qualifications

• 8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree
• 6 years with Master's degree
• 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience in automotive/manufacturing environment

Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, and improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency
• Apply Lean tools (Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Kanban) to streamline operations
• Lead or support continuous improvement projects focused on cost reduction and productivity
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align manufacturing strategies
• Support new product introduction and launch readiness activities
• Monitor KPI performance and develop dashboards for improvement
• Provide training and mentoring on Lean practices and continuous improvement culture

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Value Stream Mapping

5S

Kaizen

Standard Work

Kanban

Line balancing

Time studies

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

MS Office

Visio

Minitab

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

PhD or equivalent experience

Tools

VISIO

Minitab

Microsoft Excel

Job description

ABOUT SLATE

At Slate, we're building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize and love—and doing it here in the USA as part of our commitment to reindustrialization. The spirit of DIY and customization runs throughout every element of a Slate, because people should have control over how their trucks look, feel, and represent them.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Lean Manufacturing principles, experience in an automotive and/or manufacturing industry, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives. The Industrial Engineer, Lean Manufacturing will play a critical role in optimizing processes, reducing waste, improving efficiency, and supporting new product launches, while ensuring safety, quality, and cost targets are consistently met. Above all, we want someone who is passionate about driving process, excellence, building capability in others, and shaping the culture of a new manufacturing organization. This role is a unique opportunity to help build and refine world-class manufacturing.

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENT:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO:

Slate Production System (SPS) Development & Optimization Analyze, design, and improve manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance quality. Apply Lean Manufacturing tools (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Kanban, etc.) to streamline operations. Conduct time studies, line balancing, and capacity analysis to optimize labor and equipment utilization. Lead or support continuous improvement projects focused on cost reduction, productivity, and quality enhancements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain) to ensure alignment on manufacturing strategies. Support new product introduction (NPI) and launch readiness activities, including process flow design, workstation setup, PFMEA, and control plans. Documentation & Reporting Monitor and report KPI performance, developing dashboards and action plans for improvement. Process Improvement Leadership Provide training and mentoring to operators and team members on Lean practices and continuous improvement culture.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:

8+ years related experience with Bachelor's degree, 6 years with Master's degree, 3 years with PhD or equivalent experience preferably in an automotive and/or manufacturing environment. Proven track record in Lean Manufacturing implementation, process optimization, and plant launch activities. Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies. Certification in Lean Manufacturing is required. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt is preferred. Proven track record of delivering sustainable cost savings and process improvements. Ability to align maps with KPI dashboards for tracking. Start-up experience is desirable, but not required. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced automotive development environment. Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively influence teams. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Proficiency with VISIO and Minitab is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have the ability to travel (up to 10%). Must have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds. Must have the ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.

WHY JOIN TEAM SLATE?

At Slate, we're fueled by grit, determination, and attention to detail. The start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness move our business forward. Team Slate fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and mutual respect, and is motivated by shared principles. Safety First Delight Customers One Team Relentless Improvement Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy Respectful Collaboration Positive Legacy

WE WANT TO WORK WITH PEOPLE THAT REFLECT THE COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE OPERATE.

Slate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff… We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, parental status, cultural background, organizational level, work styles, tenure and life experiences. Or for any other reason. Slate is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

About Us

At Slate, we've got one job: building a vehicle you'll fall in love with, right here in the USA. We believe that car buyers - not car companies - should call the shots. We like looking at a road, not a screen. We don't have to pay for stuff we don't need. We like picking out the stuff we do need. We think dings are badges, not blemishes. But we know not everyone likes what we like. So, we built you a Slate: you make it yours.