Lean Manufacturing Engineer – Kalamazoo Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 72,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Careers is seeking a Lean Manufacturing Engineer in Kalamazoo, MI. The role focuses on applying lean principles to reduce downtime and improve process flow on the shop floor.

You will analyze data, lead Kaizen events, and collaborate with hourly production teams to drive continuous improvement. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field and experience with value stream mapping, 5S, and standard work.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience applying lean tools in a manufacturing setting.
• Knowledge of value stream mapping, kaizen, and standard work.
• Strong data analysis and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work with hourly production teams on the floor.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience with time studies and line balancing.
• Familiarity with ERP or MES.

Responsibilities

• Analyze root causes of downtime and quality defects.
• Lead continuous improvement projects on the production floor.
• Map value streams and identify waste in current processes.
• Run kaizen events with production and maintenance teams.
• Develop and update standard work instructions.
• Track key metrics such as cycle time, scrap, and on-time delivery.
• Train operators and supervisors on lean tools and methods.
• Support 5S and visual management across work areas.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Training operators

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Minitab

ERP/MES

Excel

Job description

Job Description:

Lean Manufacturing Engineer | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $72,000 – $111,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for excelling as a lean manufacturing engineer? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in the Kalamazoo area seeking skilled Lean Manufacturing Engineers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan’s manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Lean Manufacturing Engineer opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Galesburg, Comstock, Oshtemo, and Parchment.

The Opportunity

We work with companies in the Kalamazoo area that add Lean Manufacturing Engineers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you’re looking for.

Usual Responsibilities

• Analyze root causes of downtime and quality defects.
• Lead continuous improvement projects on the production floor.
• Map value streams and identify waste in current processes.
• Run kaizen events with production and maintenance teams.
• Develop and update standard work instructions.
• Track key metrics such as cycle time, scrap, and on-time delivery.
• Train operators and supervisors on lean tools and methods.
• Support 5S and visual management across work areas.

Recommended Qualifications

• Hands-on experience applying lean tools in a manufacturing setting.
• Knowledge of value stream mapping, kaizen, and standard work.
• Strong data analysis and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work with hourly production teams on the floor.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor degree in engineering or a related technical field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with time studies and line balancing.
• Familiarity with ERP or manufacturing execution systems.

Background in automotive or high volume assembly.

Experience leading cross functional improvement teams.

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lean Coordinator, Six Sigma Engineer, Production Engineer, Operations Excellence Engineer, Quality Engineer, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Improvement Engineer, Industrial Engineer

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Required Skills:

Minitab Resume 5S Data Offers Kaizen AI Lean Six Sigma Support Lean Manufacturing Performance Metrics Root Cause Analysis Operational Excellence Six Sigma ROOT Process Optimization Operations Waste Analysis ERP Salary Kanban Hiring Partnerships Corrective Actions Recruiting Process Improvement Compensation Metrics Continuous Improvement Optimization Manufacturing Excel Preparation Data Analysis Software Design Engineering Project Management Management

Salary Package:

$ 72,000.00 – 111,000.00 (US Dollar)