Lean Systems Manager

E770 JWC Environmental Inc.; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Company holidays

401(k) match

Health plan (medical/dental/vision)

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Gym reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Paternity leave

Job summary

Sulzer is seeking a Lean Systems Manager / Manufacturing Engineer to maximize factory performance using Lean and the Sulzer Excellence System (SES). The role drives improvement mind-set across the plant and collaborates on cost reductions and on-time delivery improvements.

Responsibilities include leading lean projects, sustaining daily management systems with visual KPIs, and coaching teams to identify trends and implement robust improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related technical field with Lean Manufacturing experience
• Lean Green Belt Certification or higher
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems
• 5 years of operational experience supporting lean initiatives
• Good communication and strong organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Apply lean manufacturing principles to achieve targets
• Assist supervisors with action plans to achieve objectives
• Support improvements through tooling and equipment design and specification
• Improve On Time Delivery and lead times via continuous flow, layout optimization, pull-system, and fast flow improvements
• Develop and sustain factory Daily Management Systems with KPI visual management and accountability processes
• Analyze performance data to identify trends and prioritize opportunities
• Lead improvement projects delivering productivity, lead time, inventory, quality, and cost savings
• Ensure safety policies and PPE compliance

Skills

Lean manufacturing experience

Communication skills

Data analysis

Continuous improvement mindset

Training and coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or related technical field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Autodesk Inventor

AutoCAD 2D

Job description

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. Join our global team to grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

About the role

Job Summary The Lean Systems Manager / Manufacturing Engineer (LSM) will maximize factory performance and profitability with application of the Lean and Sulzer Excellence System (SES) operating principles. The LSM will cultivate an improvement mind-set throughout the factory.

Essential Functions

• At factory level, use lean manufacturing principles to achieve operational business targets.
• Assist supervisor and managers with action plan to achieve company objectives.
• Support manufacturing improvements through tooling and equipment design and equipment specification development.
• Improve On Time Delivery and Lead Times though the implementation of continuous flow, layout optimization, pull-system and speed up flows by coaching and/or leading lean principles workshops.
• Contribute to Factory Improvement Plan.
• Review continuous improvement plans and cost-saving projections, challenging where necessary, and provide feedback that drives additional improvements.
• Support continuous failure analysis in cooperation with affected areas.
• Improve Root Cause Analysis knowledge and utilization within the organization.
• Prepare and submit performance reports as required.
• Support corporate initiatives as defined by the Management Team.
• Develop, implement and sustain factory Daily Management Systems including KPI visual management, tier meetings, accountability processes and performance reviews.
• Analyze operational performance data to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities and verify project results.
• Lead and facilitate improvement projects delivering quantifiable improvements in productivity, lead time, inventory reduction, quality and cost savings.
• All employees are required to comply with all work instructions, policies, and posted signs or instructions regarding safety, including but not limited to proper use of Personal Protective Equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or other technical degrees with Lean Manufacturing experience.
• 5 years of operational experience supporting lean initiatives.
• Lean Green Belt Certification or higher
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems.
• Must have good communication skills and strong organizational abilities with orientation to details.
• Computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Autodesk Inventor, and AutoCAD 2D (or similar programs).

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform standard office physical activities including but not limited to long periods of time in the seated position and long periods of time viewing computer monitors.

Personal Strengths

• Ability to analyze data sets
• Continuous improvement and solution provider mentality
• Results oriented mindset
• Customer order execution focus
• Ability to train and coach all levels of the factory

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

What we offer you

Salary: 90K - 100K

• What We Offer You 15 days of paid time off and 12 company-paid holidays
• 401k plan with a 6% match
• Comprehensive health plan including medical, dental, vision, Life, short-term & long-term disability
• Health savings account matching
• Motivating wellness program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid paternal leave
• Gym reimbursement

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation. By supporting water and energy security, enabling the energy transition and driving the use of circular technologies, we help our customers build a better world. With more than 13’000 employees and 160 world-class production facilities and service centers across the globe, we are a globally diverse team. We value the uniqueness of all our colleagues, and we appreciate the contributions that each of us makes to the company’s success. We prioritize your health and safety and are committed to offering a work environment in which you can thrive. Join our team now to grow your expertise and develop solutions that truly make a difference! Are you interested in other oppportunities at Sulzer? Feel free to introduce yourself to our team