Lean Manufacturing Specialist: Kaizen & VSM Lead

Johnson Controls, Inc.; Gilbert (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Controls is seeking a Lean Technical Specialist in Gilbert, AZ to lead Lean transformation across manufacturing operations. You will drive Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and structured problem solving to achieve sustainable improvements.

Responsibilities include mentoring employees, embedding Lean into daily management, supporting 3P activities, and guiding prototypes to meet design intent, ergonomics, and safety. A Bachelor's in engineering and 3–7 years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
• 3–7 years of experience in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or industrial engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean tools: VSM, Kaizen facilitation, SMED, 5S, standard work, takt time, flow, pull systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience using A3 or similar methodologies.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence without authority.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.
• Experience working in a high‑mix, fast‑paced manufacturing environment is an asset.
• Green Belt Certified preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean transformation activities, including Kaizen events and flow improvements.
• Conduct Value Stream Mapping and develop implementation plans.
• Drive structured problem solving using A3, PDCA, root cause analysis and Lean methods.
• Embed Lean principles into daily management systems with operations and leadership.
• Provide technical direction to prototypes to support Lean design, ergonomics, and safety.
• Support 3P activities: concept development, layout optimization, process simulation.
• Develop and maintain Lean standards, visual management systems, and performance metrics.
• Coach and mentor employees to build Lean capability.
• Analyze operational data to identify improvements and track results.
• Support capital projects and new product/process introductions with Lean principles.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Industrial engineering

A3 problem solving

Cross-functional teams

Communication skills

Green Belt

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

VSM

Kaizen

SMED

5S

Standard work

Takt time

Flow

Pull systems

Job description

Johnson Controls is seeking a Lean Technical Specialist in Gilbert, AZ to lead Lean transformation across manufacturing operations. You will drive Kaizen events, value stream mapping, and structured problem solving to achieve sustainable improvements.

Responsibilities include mentoring employees, embedding Lean into daily management, supporting 3P activities, and guiding prototypes to meet design intent, ergonomics, and safety. A Bachelor's in engineering and 3–7 years of experience are required.