Lean Leader

HANWHA AEROSPACE USA LLC; Cheshire (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HANWHA Aerospace USA LLC in Cheshire, CT is seeking a Lean Leader to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing and support functions. You will lead the implementation of Lean principles, organize 5S and Kaizen events, map value streams, and collaborate with engineering, quality, and finance to reduce waste and costs.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in engineering or a related field, 5+ years of experience, and U.S. Person status for ITAR data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or related field.
• High School Diploma or GED with 5+ years of experience.
• 5+ years of experience in lean/manufacturing environments.
• U.S. Person status required for ITAR data access.

Responsibilities

• Organizes and leads 5S, Kaizen events and value-stream mapping to reduce waste and costs.
• Communicates effectively with all employees through training and written/oral channels.
• Collaborates with production, engineering, quality, purchasing, and finance to lower costs.
• Layouts manufacturing cells and work areas to optimize flow.
• Sets goals with functional leaders and tracks progress.

Skills

Lean manufacturing knowledge

5S/Kaizen execution

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field

HS diploma + 5+ years experience

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Lean Leader

Exempt Status: Exempt

Location: Cheshire, CT

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.

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.

Responsibilities (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