Lean Process Engineer

Hendrick Automotive Group; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Hendrick Automotive Group is seeking a Lean Process Engineer to enhance manufacturing processes within Hendrick Technical Solutions. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve safety and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in industrial engineering and 5+ years of experience, particularly in defense or aerospace. The position requires a deep understanding of Lean principles, process documentation, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or continuous improvement.
• Experience in defense, aerospace or high-mix/low-volume manufacturing environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve manufacturing processes for fabrication, machining, and assembly operations.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives including Kaizen and Value-Stream Mapping.
• Validate new manufacturing processes and develop process controls.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Industrial Engineering

Process Improvement

Data Analysis

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Visio

PowerBI

Job description

Lean Process Engineer

Hendrick Technical Solutions is a dynamic and growing force within the defense industry. This role operates within a fast‑paced, mission‑critical environment, focusing on challenging and impactful projects that directly enhance national security.

Summary

The Lean Process Engineer is responsible for designing, improving, and sustaining manufacturing processes that drive safety, quality, delivery, and operational excellence throughout Hendrick Technical Solutions. The position partners closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Production to develop standardized work, optimize production flow, eliminate waste, improve productivity, and ensure repeatable manufacturing processes for defense and commercial products. The Lean Process Engineer serves as the process owner for manufacturing workflows and leads continuous improvement initiatives from concept through implementation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Process Development
  Develop, document, and continuously improve manufacturing processes for fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, powder coating, inspection, and packaging operations. Design manufacturing workflows that improve safety, quality, productivity, and throughput. Establish standardized work instructions, visual work aids, and process documentation. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by developing manufacturing methods and production processes. Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews with Engineering.
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
  Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives utilizing 5S, Kaizen, Value‑Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Visual Management, Waste Elimination, Error Proofing (Poka‑Yoke), and Root Cause Analysis. Identify and eliminate non‑value‑added activities. Improve process flow and reduce cycle time through continuous improvement initiatives. Facilitate cross‑functional Kaizen events and process improvement workshops. Measure and report operational performance using established KPIs.
• Process Validation
  Validate new and revised manufacturing processes in lockstep with production breakpoints. Conduct process capability studies where applicable. Develop and implement process controls to ensure repeatable manufacturing performance. Support production readiness reviews for new equipment and manufacturing cells.
• Quality Improvement
  Partner with Quality Engineering to reduce internal defects and customer escapes. Analyze production data to identify recurring quality issues. Support corrective and preventive action activities through the NCR process. Develop process improvements that reduce variation and improve product consistency.
• Documentation & Standardization
  Develop and maintain manufacturing work instructions, standard work, process flow diagrams, visual controls, manufacturing routes, and manufacturing process maps. Ensure documentation accurately reflects current production methods. Support document revisions resulting from engineering changes and process improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or continuous improvement.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, motorsports, or other high‑mix/low‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience in fabrication, machining, welding, assembly, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting automated manufacturing or robotic welding cells.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Green Belt or Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or other regulated quality management systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering principles.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience developing standardized work and manufacturing documentation.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills, using data to drive decision making.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, coaching and mentoring people at all levels.
• Ability to influence change across cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with Visio, PowerBI, or similar data visualization tools preferred.

Additional Information

This role is subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements and requires U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or U.S. Person status.

Hendrick is an Equal Opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information regarding the EEOC, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf.