Lean Manufacturing Engineer – Process Improvement & DFM

Page Mechanical Group, Inc.; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Astec in Chattanooga, Tennessee seeks a Manufacturing Engineer who will own lean process improvements across safety, quality and productivity. You will partner with manufacturing, engineering, quality, OpEx and PMO to drive DFM and VAVE initiatives, lead capital projects, and develop repeatable processes for long-term competitiveness.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least three years in heavy manufacturing, with experience in automation and the ability to read

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering or related field.
• Minimum of three years in manufacturing with heavy machinery.
• Experience leading automation and robotics projects preferred.
• Knowledge of LEAN methods used in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of metal-cutting processes (punch, plasma, flame) preferred.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and system symbols.
• Collaboration to influence and manage change in a heavy manufacturing, multi-shift environment.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvements using lean tools.
• Lead cross-functional events to eliminate waste and optimize material flow.
• Develop and maintain standard work, process docs, and visual controls.
• Drive continuous improvement aligned with plant KPIs.
• Provide DFM and VAVE improvements in collaboration with design and manufacturing.
• Support new product introductions through process planning and readiness.
• Lead capital equipment projects including budgeting and timelines.
• Prepare business cases with ROI and risk assessments.
• Lead project execution from kickoff to handoff.
• Develop equipment concepts and vendor RFQs.
• Lead FAT/SAT, installation, validation, and integration.
• Analyze workforce utilization, space, and equipment for efficiency and safety.
• Estimate production times and capacity, inform management decisions.
• Apply statistical methods to forecast manufacturing requirements.

Skills

LEAN methodologies

Cross-functional collaboration

Reading engineering drawings

Automation & robotics experience

Statistical methods

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial, manufacturing, mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

Nesting software

Job description

Astec in Chattanooga, Tennessee seeks a Manufacturing Engineer who will own lean process improvements across safety, quality and productivity. You will partner with manufacturing, engineering, quality, OpEx and PMO to drive DFM and VAVE initiatives, lead capital projects, and develop repeatable processes for long-term competitiveness.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least three years in heavy manufacturing, with experience in automation and the ability to read