Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement Engineer

Nippon Paint Automotive Americas; Lansing (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly attendance bonus

Merit increases

Annual bonus

11 paid holidays + PTO

Comprehensive health plan

401(k) with company match

Employee recognition programs

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Nippon Paint Automotive Americas is seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to drive continuous improvement across all automotive coatings operations. You will lead the 5S program, coordinate with Quality, Operations, Supply Chain and Engineering, and run studies to tighten cost control and inventory while standardizing best practices.

The role demands a BS in a technical field or equivalent, 10+ years in manufacturing, and knowledge of IATF 16949 / ISO 9001.

Qualifications

• BS in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in manufacturing with cross-functional project success.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 and/or ISO 9001.

Responsibilities

• Lead the 5S roadmap—standards, audits, and sustainment—to build a disciplined, visual workplace.
• Partner with Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering to analyze and redesign sequences of operations and workflows.
• Run studies that target cost control and reduction, tighter inventory control, and stronger production record systems.
• Draft and roll out improved operating methods; verify impact and standardize.
• Facilitate Kaizen events that move the needle in every area of the business.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools across multiple projects simultaneously to fix problems and stand up new capabilities.
• Own the monthly customer scorecard review and trigger improvement actions.
• Trend, monitor, and improve quality-system pillars: change control; customer feedback and complaints; investigations; deviations; on-time delivery.
• Import best practices from Nippon group companies and align with industry standards.
• Capture before/after conditions and keep meticulous CI project documentation up to date.

Skills

5S

Lean

Six Sigma

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Education

BS in technical field

Equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

Join NPAA and make things flow better—every dayLove turning complex operations into simple, reliable systems? At Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Inc. (NPAA), you’ll help teams eliminate waste, accelerate delivery, and elevate quality across our automotive coatings operations.What you’ll doLead the 5S roadmap—standards, audits, and sustainment—to build a disciplined, visual workplace.Partner with Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering to analyze and redesign sequences of operations and workflows.Run studies that target cost control and reduction, tighter inventory control, and stronger production record systems.Draft and roll out improved operating methods; verify impact and standardize.Facilitate Kaizen events that move the needle in every area of the business.Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools across multiple projects simultaneously to fix problems and stand up new capabilities.Own the monthly customer scorecard review and trigger improvement actions.Trend, monitor, and improve quality-system pillars: change control; customer feedback and complaints; investigations; deviations; on-time delivery.Import best practices from Nippon group companies and align with industry standards.Capture before/after conditions and keep meticulous CI project documentation up to date.What you’ll bringBS in a technical field preferred (or equivalent experience).10+ years in manufacturing with a track record of cross-functional project success.Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and/or ISO 9001.Strong planning, organization, leadership, and decision-making skills.Analytical mindset and problem-solving strength; thrives in dynamic settings.Self-directed contributor who needs minimal supervision.Bonus skills: Lean/Six Sigma certification; SAP familiarity.Perks & benefitsMonthly hourly attendance bonuses, merit increases, and an annual bonus incentive plan.11 paid holidays plus paid time off.Comprehensive health and welfare plan options.401(k) with an exceptional company match.Employee recognition programs and tuition reimbursement.Be part of the NPAA family—enjoy appreciation events throughout the year.Equal Employment OpportunityNippon Paint Automotive Americas Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.