Lean Manufacturing Specialist

LMI Finishing, Inc.; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonaca North America seeks a Lean Manufacturing Specialist to drive continuous improvement across our facility, applying Lean and Lean Six Sigma to enhance process capability, reduce waste, and ensure on-time delivery of aerospace components. The role involves leading improvement events, developing standard work, coaching teams, and collaborating with cross-functional partners to sustain long-term gains.

Requires 3–5 years in manufacturing (aerospace preferred), a four-year degree, strong Excel,

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of Mass Production vs. Lean Production concepts and pull systems.
• Ability to determine Root Cause and countermeasures to prevent recurrence.
• Knowledge of Value Stream Mapping and material flow to customers.

Responsibilities

• Leads, co-leads, facilitate or participates in Continuous Improvement events with results.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of Standard Work documentation.
• Performs analysis of cost reduction, quality improvement and improved productivity.
• Utilizes Kaizen or Lean Manufacturing tools, techniques, and principles to enhance procedures.
• Acts as a resource for manufacturing and administrative support areas with guidance on process improvement.
• Coaches and educates on lean manufacturing principles for continuous improvement and production personnel.
• Advises leaders on inventory, WIP, material flow and performance.
• Assists in training, data gathering and analysis.
• Applies Lean Six Sigma tools to improve process capability and eliminate defects.
• Monitors Lean initiatives for implementation and sustainability.
• Tracks performance and implements corrective actions with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Lean manufacturing knowledge

Root cause analysis

Value stream mapping

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in manufacturing or related field

Tools

Excel

Value Stream Mapping Software

Job description

Position Summary

The Lean Manufacturing Specialist will support the entire facility in conducting and facilitating continuous improvement activities to ensure production of products consistent with established standards. The Lean Manufacturing Specialist acts as a focal point for interplant communication, assuring a cohesive Sonaca approach to meeting its customer quality and on-time delivery requirements.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Leads, co-leads, facilitate or participates in Continuous Improvement events with results.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of Standard Work documentation.
• Performs analysis of cost reduction, quality improvement and improved productivity.
• Utilizes Kaizen or Lean Manufacturing tools, techniques, and principles to enhance business procedures and operational performance.
• Acts as a resource for manufacturing and administrative support areas by providing guidance on process improvement methodologies.
• Serves as an active educator and coach on lean manufacturing principles for continuous improvement and production personnel.
• Advises and supports leaders on issues impacting inventory and work-in-process (WIP), material flow and operational performance.
• Assists in training, data gathering, and analysis.
• Applies Lean Six Sigma tools to improve process capability and eliminate defects.
• Monitors and follows up on Lean initiatives to ensure implementation, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of improvements.
• Tracks performance and adherence to established Lean processes; Identifies gaps and works with cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions and sustain improvements.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of Mass Production vs. Lean Production concepts, pull production, work flow, time, and motion studies.
• Ability to determine Root Cause and place Countermeasures to prevent reoccurrence.
• Knowledge of Value Stream Mapping from up front process; material distribution and on time delivery to internal and external customers.
• Ability to bring innovative thinking and problem solving skills to the organization while working with people to initiate and influence change.
• Technical knowledge and skill with experience in supporting lean manufacturing methodology, including upfront data collection of current condition, including combination chart and standard work, process flow, layout, assembly, and efficiency improvements.
• Strong facilitation and problem solving abilities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills; including data analysis, formulas, PivotTables, and reporting.

Education Required

Four-year degree in manufacturing or related field preferred.

Experience Required

3-5 years experience within a manufacturing environment required. Experience within aerospace industry is highly preferred. Hands-on Lean Manufacturing experience required. Experience within Kaizen or Lean Manufacturing techniques and principles.

Physical/Work Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods, working at a desk and/or attending meetings.
• Use various computer and office equipment as well as be able to move throughout the office and manufacturing area in order to talk/hear or otherwise communicate with employees, management, customers, vendors, and others.
• Noise level in the work environment ranges from quite to loud.
• Employee will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working on the plant floor.

Travel Required

10% This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties may differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be required. This document does not create an employment contract. Employees of the Company are employed on an "at will" basis and may be terminated at any time. Sonaca North America is an equal employment opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, Sonaca North America provides access and opportunities to those with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who seek to access the company’s online application system. If an applicant is unable to fully access the online application system, Sonaca North America will provide a reasonable accommodation. Applicants with disabilities may contact us at 636-916-2400 for assistance accessing the on-line application system. Callers should have a detailed description of the requested accommodation, their name and preferred method of contact ready for Sonaca North America's Human Resources Department. Sonaca North America will make every effort to respond within two (2) business days. This phone number is not for the general submission of application materials. Sonaca North America is an E-Verify Employer. Sonaca North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans Employer

Sonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, we are dedicated to making air and space travel safe and sustainable. We have 13 locations across North America and our engineering expertise and operational excellence set us apart from the competition. Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and services that are reliable, safe, and efficient. Our team of experts is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the aerospace and defense industry, utilizing the latest technologies and processes to ensure that we deliver the best possible solutions to our customers.