Lean Manufacturing Engineer – Process Optimization

Blachford; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Blachford is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to advance process development, improve product quality, and optimize yield through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. You will develop plans, evaluate materials, processes, and equipment, and lead Kaizen and project initiatives across the production floor.

The role requires 2–6 years in manufacturing engineering, strong problem-solving, and collaboration with operations.

Qualifications

• 2–6 years of engineering work experience in manufacturing settings.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical or Industrial Engineering or related field, or comparable work experience.
• Experience with plastics/paper mill/construction/food industries would be a plus.
• Proficient in 2D software; 3D software experience a plus (AutoCAD, Creo/SolidWorks).
• Strong Excel skills and statistical software experience (Minitab/JMP).
• Six Sigma/Green Belt/Black Belt accreditation is a plus; Lean manufacturing experience preferred.
• Proven project management experience with mid-to-large projects.
• ERP or similar business information systems experience desirable.
• Experience with SPC is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage implementation of new products and revisions.
• Identify and implement process-related continuous improvement activities to improve product quality and OEE.
• Ensure process developments meet Quality Management System requirements.
• Create working drawings/digital files/CNC programming as needed.
• Collaborate to address quality, technical, and manufacturing issues.
• Lead projects with accurate development, research, planning, and reporting.
• Stay current on new technologies and present best practices.
• Utilize software to edit floor work orders, update process standards, and analyze data.
• Lead Lean Kaizen and Six Sigma activities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Work with vendors to develop new equipment and modify existing equipment.
• Coordinate with operations to support production through improvements; communicate with line leaders.
• Lead engineering change implementation, coordinate changeovers, update PFMEA/QCP/work instructions.
• Perform root cause analysis for customer issues and implement corrective actions.
• Design processes for new product introductions and line trials for experiments and cost-saving ideas.
• Optimize material yields and reduce waste; justify material changes to R&D.
• Improve continuous processes to reduce labor via lean methods or new technology.
• Ensure safe work practices; perform job hazard analysis and start-ups before handoff to operations.
• Assist with quoting estimates for the commercial team.
• Other related responsibilities.

Skills

Lean transformation

Six Sigma

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Creo

SolidWorks

MS Excel

Minitab

JMP

Job description

Blachford is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to advance process development, improve product quality, and optimize yield through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. You will develop plans, evaluate materials, processes, and equipment, and lead Kaizen and project initiatives across the production floor.

The role requires 2–6 years in manufacturing engineering, strong problem-solving, and collaboration with operations.