Lean Transformation Engineer

Navigate Search; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Navigate Search is partnering with a manufacturing organization undergoing a shift to a data-driven, standardized manufacturing environment. The role leads high-impact operational improvement initiatives across production, quality, engineering, and supply chain, with direct visibility to senior leadership.

You will implement solutions, train teams, standardize processes, and ensure improvements are sustained through Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and visual management tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years hands-on manufacturing engineering or continuous improvement experience.
• Strong knowledge of Lean (5S, VSM, SMED, Poka-Yoke, Visual Management) and Six Sigma (DMAIC).

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks (quality escapes, rework, prep time, inefficient assembly, material flow issues).
• Lead Lean and Six Sigma (DMAIC) projects delivering measurable improvements in cost, quality, and cycle time.
• Drive root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Convert tribal knowledge into Standard Work, SOPs, and clear work instructions and help move the operation toward a paperless, analytics-driven environment.
• Support development of scalable, repeatable processes.
• Develop and track KPIs (scrap, rework, downtime, OTD, cycle time).
• Analyze shop floor data and present actionable insights to leadership.
• Measure and report savings in dollars, hours reduced, and risk mitigation.
• Support ERP improvements, system integrations and implement visual management tools and structured shop floor controls.
• Deliver hands-on Lean/CI training to operators, leads, and supervisors.
• Lead Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and cross-functional improvement workshops.
• Reinforce accountability and continuous improvement mindset at all levels.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

DMAIC

Root Cause Analysis

Standard Work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

MES

Digital work instructions

Job description

Navigate Search is partnering with a manufacturing organization undergoing a shift to a data-driven, standardized manufacturing environment. The role leads high-impact operational improvement initiatives across production, quality, engineering, and supply chain, with direct visibility to senior leadership.

You will implement solutions, train teams, standardize processes, and ensure improvements are sustained through Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and visual management tools.