Lean Manufacturing Engineer: CI, DFM & VAVE Lead

ASTEC; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Astec seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to serve as the Primary Process Owner, driving waste reduction, safety, quality, productivity and cost improvements through structured lean methodologies in a heavy manufacturing environment.

The role partners with manufacturing, engineering, quality, OpEx, PMO and safety teams to develop efficient, repeatable processes and to lead capital projects, DFMs and VAVE improvements. Travel is ~10%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years related work experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading automation and robotics projects preferred.
• Knowledge of LEAN methods used in manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of metal-cutting processes (punch, plasma, flame) preferred.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and symbols.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvement opportunities using lean tools and time studies (5S/Kaizen).
• Lead cross-functional events to reduce waste, improve material flow, and optimize workforce utilization and equipment usage.
• Develop and maintain standard work and visual controls for sustainable improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement aligned with plant KPIs and priorities.
• Lead capital equipment projects from scope to installation and handoff.

Skills

LEAN methods

Automation leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Reading drawings

Education

B.S. in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Eng

Tools

Nesting software

DFM/VAVE tools

Job description

Astec seeks a Manufacturing Engineer to serve as the Primary Process Owner, driving waste reduction, safety, quality, productivity and cost improvements through structured lean methodologies in a heavy manufacturing environment.

The role partners with manufacturing, engineering, quality, OpEx, PMO and safety teams to develop efficient, repeatable processes and to lead capital projects, DFMs and VAVE improvements. Travel is ~10%.