Lean Manufacturing Engineer

Poclain Hydraulics Inc; Sturtevant (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

Poclain Hydraulics is seeking a Lean Manufacturing Engineer to champion continuous improvement on the production floor in our Sturtevant, WI facility. You will coach teams, lead Kaizen events, and drive problem‑solving initiatives across operations, engineering, quality, and maintenance.

The role demands strong analytical and facilitation skills with a passion for developing people and delivering measurable productivity gains.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 3+ years of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience in manufacturing.
• Experience leading cross-functional improvement projects.
• Strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Passion for developing people and driving organizational change.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, and problem-solving workshops.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and HR.
• Coach leaders and production teams on Lean principles.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
• Standardize successful improvements through visual management and documented processes.
• Support employee development through hands-on coaching and training.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Cross-functional leadership

Kaizen

Value Stream Mapping

A3 Problem Solving

Root Cause Analysis

On-floor coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

TPM

SMED

5S

Kanban

Standard Work

Value Stream Mapping

A3 Problem Solving

Root Cause Analysis

Job description

Poclain Hydraulics is a global leader in the design and manufacture of hydrostatic transmission systems used in construction, agriculture, material handling, mining, and industrial equipment. At our Sturtevant, Wisconsin facility, we're committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and developing people who want to make a lasting impact.

Overview

Are you energized by solving problems, eliminating waste, and helping people succeed?

We're looking for a Lean Manufacturing Engineer who will champion continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations. This isn't a desk job—we're looking for someone who enjoys being on the production floor, coaching teams, leading Kaizen events, and helping build a culture where continuous improvement is part of everyday work.

What You'll Do

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, and problem-solving workshops
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and HR
• Coach leaders and production teams on Lean principles
• Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity
• Standardize successful improvements through visual management and documented processes
• Support employee development through hands‑on coaching and training

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field
• 3+ years of Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience in manufacturing
• Experience leading cross‑functional improvement projects
• Strong analytical, communication, and facilitation skills
• Passion for developing people and driving organizational change

Preferred

• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Experience in machining, hydraulics, or discrete manufacturing
• Knowledge of TPM, SMED, 5S, Kanban, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, A3 Problem Solving, and Root Cause Analysis

Why Join Poclain?

• Global manufacturer with local decision making
• Opportunity to lead transformational projects
• Collaborative, team‑oriented culture
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Career growth within an international organization

Make an impact where continuous improvement isn't just a program—it's how we work every day.