Lean Leader

Hanwha Aerospace USA; Cheshire (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Aerospace USA is seeking a Lean Leader to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing and support functions in Cheshire, CT. The role leads lean initiatives, implements 5S and Kaizen events, and advances value stream mapping to reduce waste and improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

The ideal candidate has strong communication skills, relevant lean certifications or experience, and the ability to work with multiple departments to sustain manufacturing excellence in an

Qualifications

• Experience leading lean improvement initiatives and projects.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering and process data.
• Strong communication across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and conducts 5S, Kaizen, lean events, and value stream mapping to reduce waste and costs.
• Communicates with employees through visual factory concepts and training sessions.
• Works with production, engineering, quality, purchasing, and finance to reduce costs.
• Layouts manufacturing cells and facilities to improve flow.
• Establishes goals with functional leaders and tracks progress.
• Documents projects and presents summaries to management and staff.
• Leads key improvement projects and trains staff on lean principles.
• Interfaces with customers through continuous improvement activities (6 Sigma, lean).

Skills

5S

Kaizen events

Lean manufacturing

Value stream mapping

Communication

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or related field

High School Diploma or GED with 5+ years experience

Tools

6 Sigma

Job description

Company Description

Hanwha Aerospace USA has long been recognized as a leader in the development and supply of flight critical Aerospace/Defense components and assemblies. Operating out of four state‑of‑the‑art facilities located in Connecticut, Hanwha Aerospace USA offers growth and career development opportunities to enrich your talents.

Job Title: Lean Leader

Exempt Status: Exempt

Location: Cheshire, CT

Summary

The Lean Leader is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing production processes, and fostering a culture of operational excellence across manufacturing and support functions. This role leads the implementation of Lean principles and methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement while ensuring compliance with aerospace industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

• Organizes and conducts 5S, Kaizen events, lean events, value stream mapping events, etc. as appropriate to assist in reducing waste and costs
• Effectively communicates with all employees through visual factory concepts training sessions as well as written and oral communications
• Works alongside production, engineering, quality, purchasing, and finance departments to reduce costs
• Layout manufacturing cells, work areas, or entire facilities to enhance flow
• Establishes foals and priorities in conjunction with functional leaders
• Documents projects and presents summary to management and employees on a regular basis
• Leads and coordinates efforts on key projects selected with management
• Conducts training of employees at all levels of the organization on lean manufacturing principle
• Interfaces with customers through continuous improvement activities (6 sigma program, lean manufacturing, lean enterprise, etc.)
• Perform other related duties or responsibilities as requested or required.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by the U.S. Government and able to work without restrictions with ITAR related data
• Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or other related field
• High School Diploma or G.E.D in lieu of Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years experience
• 5+ years of experience

Desired Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and standard business practices.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English at a functional level.
• Ability to travel 5-10% when required.

Physical Demands / Work Capacity Evaluation

The essential functions of this position may vary based on specific assignments, work locations, and operational needs. Physical capability is evaluated through a post‑offer, pre‑employment Human Performance Evaluation (HPE), which assesses an individual’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with applicable laws.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform.

Hanwha Aerospace USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity or Expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.

• Subject to change with or without notice*