Lean Manufacturing Engineer

Navigate Search; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Navigate Search is partnering with a manufacturing organization undergoing a shift to a data-driven, standardized manufacturing environment. The role leads high-impact operational improvement initiatives across production, quality, engineering, and supply chain, with direct visibility to senior leadership.

You will implement solutions, train teams, standardize processes, and ensure improvements are sustained through Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and visual management tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on manufacturing engineering or continuous improvement experience.
• Strong knowledge of Lean (5S, VSM, SMED, Poka-Yoke, Visual Management) and Six Sigma (DMAIC).

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks (quality escapes, rework, prep time, inefficient assembly, material flow issues).
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma (DMAIC) projects delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, and cycle time.
• Drive root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Convert tribal knowledge into Standard Work, SOPs, and clear work instructions and help move the operation toward a paperless, analytics-driven environment.
• Support development of scalable, repeatable processes.
• Develop and track KPIs (scrap, rework, downtime, OTD, cycle time).
• Analyze shop floor data and present actionable insights to leadership.
• Measure and report savings in dollars, hours reduced, and risk mitigation.
• Support ERP improvements, system integrations and implement visual management tools and structured shop floor controls.
• Deliver hands-on Lean/CI training to operators, leads, and supervisors.
• Lead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and cross-functional improvement workshops.
• Reinforce accountability and continuous improvement mindset at all levels.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

DMAIC

Root Cause Analysis

Standard Work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

MES

Digital work instructions

Job description

This organization is transitioning from old traditional operational processes to a disciplined, data-driven, standardized manufacturing environment. This is not “check-the-box Lean.” They are building systems, accountability, and a sustainable culture of continuous improvement. If you are hands-on, execution-focused, and motivated by measurable results, this is an opportunity to drive real change. This role will lead high-impact operational improvement initiatives across manufacturing. This role goes beyond analysis — you will implement solutions, train teams, standardize processes, and ensure improvements are sustained. High visibility role working cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain, with direct visibility to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives
• Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks (quality escapes, rework, prep time, inefficient assembly, material flow issues, etc.)
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma (DMAIC) projects delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, and cycle time
• Drive root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Convert tribal knowledge into Standard Work, SOPs, and clear work instructions and help move the operation toward a paperless, analytics-driven environment
• Support development of scalable, repeatable processes
• Develop and track KPIs (scrap, rework, downtime, OTD, cycle time)
• Analyze shop floor data and present actionable insights to leadership
• Measure and report savings in dollars, hours reduced, and risk mitigation
• Support ERP improvements, system integrations and implement visual management tools and structured shop floor controls
• Deliver hands-on Lean/CI training to operators, leads, and supervisors
• Lead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and cross-functional improvement workshops
• Reinforce accountability and continuous improvement mindset at all levels

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of hands-on manufacturing engineering or continuous improvement experience
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing (5S, VSM, SMED, Poka-Yoke, Visual Management) and Six Sigma (DMAIC, root cause analysis)
• Experience developing standard work, driving real improvements, measurable cost savings, cycle time reductions and shop floor digital tools

Nice to Have

• Six Sigma Black/Green Belt or Lean certification
• Background in Aerospace, heavy fabrication, or complex assembly preferred
• Experience leading ERP transitions, implementing MES and digital work instruction systems
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 or AS9100 a Huge Plus
• Demonstrated track record of measurable operational improvements
• Self-starter who takes ownership, stands behind data-driven decisions, and thrives in a hands-on environment