Lean Manufacturing Engineer — Kaizen & SMED Lead

Corning Inc.; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 86,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Corning Inc. is seeking a Lean Engineer at our Newton, NC manufacturing site to identify and eliminate waste using Lean principles and continuous improvement methods. You will lead cross-functional improvements, facilitate Kaizen events, and drive gains in efficiency and standardization.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering and a Six Sigma Belt, with strong data analysis, PM, and Excel skills. Typical hours are 8am–5pm, with occasional extra hours to support projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Lean Manufacturing concepts applied in a production environment.
• Knowledge of basic manufacturing systems and processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Experience retrieving/analyzing data from relational databases.
• Experience facilitating Lean workshops, Kaizen/SMED events, or improvement projects.
• Experience managing improvement projects from scope to implementation.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional improvements to identify waste and implement solutions.
• Analyze processes; document and share standardized best practices.
• Plan and facilitate SMED, Kaizen, 5S, and workshops; drive standardization.
• Contribute to capacity and throughput analysis via time studies.
• Manage improvement projects using company PM and problem-solving methods.
• Support production teams on process flow issues and equipment improvements.
• Administer the employee suggestion program and engagement initiatives.
• Apply value stream mapping to improve material and information flow.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen and SMED events

Cross-functional facilitation

Data analysis

Project management

Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

Time studies

Production processes understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline

Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

Tools

Excel

Access

PowerPoint

Relational databases

Job description

Corning Inc. is seeking a Lean Engineer at our Newton, NC manufacturing site to identify and eliminate waste using Lean principles and continuous improvement methods. You will lead cross-functional improvements, facilitate Kaizen events, and drive gains in efficiency and standardization.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering and a Six Sigma Belt, with strong data analysis, PM, and Excel skills. Typical hours are 8am–5pm, with occasional extra hours to support projects.