Manufacturing Engineer - Continuous Improvement (CI)

JLG Industries; Jefferson City (TN); On-site; USD 73,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

JLG, An Oshkosh Company, is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer at our Jefferson City, TN facility to lead continuous improvement initiatives. The role focuses on optimizing manufacturing processes, reducing waste, and improving cycle times and throughput through lean methods and cross-functional collaboration.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1–2 years of experience, with Lean Six Sigma knowledge preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering or related field.
• 1–2+ years of experience in manufacturing/engineering.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt preferred.
• Experience leading or supporting CI projects or Kaizen events in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools and continuous improvement methods.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, perform basic engineering calculations and tasks per JLG standards.
• Support senior engineers in plant designs, computations, and reporting.
• Lead or contribute to CI projects focused on process optimization and cycle time reduction.
• Provide technical assistance for prototypes, pilot runs, or production builds.
• Analyze space requirements and layouts for equipment and workstations for maximum efficiency.
• Review change notices and continuous improvement requests.
• Support cost studies, time estimations, and technical proposals.
• Review regulatory impact on projects and recommend tooling/design improvements.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen events

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations/Engineering

Tools

5S

Value Stream Mapping

Standard Work

Waste Elimination

Root Cause Analysis

Job description

About JLG, An Oshkosh Company

JLG began in 1969, when our founder, John L. Grove set out to resolve growing safety concerns in the construction industry. Since then we have been committed to understanding the challenges and delivering innovative solutions to the access market. We partner with customers to provide quality equipment, training opportunities and trusted support within the access industry. We are a global company, and our products—including mobile elevating work platforms, telehandlers, utility vehicles and accessories—can be found all over the world. The Manufacturing Engineer will serve as a dedicated resource for Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives at the Jefferson City, TN facility. This role will lead and support CI projects focused on optimizing manufacturing processes, eliminating waste, and improving cycle time, throughput, efficiency, and overall operational performance. The Manufacturing Engineer will partner closely with production supervisors and Manufacturing Engineering teams to execute improvement events, implement facility standards, and drive sustainable improvements using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

YOUR IMPACT

These duties are not meant to be all-inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

• Under close supervision, perform basic engineering calculations, investigations, and tasks as assigned according to JLG engineering standards and processes.
• Support more senior engineers in the preparation of plants, designs, computation methods, and reporting.
• Responsible for a project or part of a project of limited complexity; may be responsible for managing multiple projects.
• Provide technical assistance for prototype, pilot, or production build.
• Analyze space requirements, workflow and designs layout for equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency.
• Review and process engineering information through change notices, change proposals, continuous improvement requests etc.
• Participate in cost studies, project time estimation, and technical proposals.
• Review legislative and regulatory proposals or actions to determine impact on projects.
• Review and recommend fixture and tooling design.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering or related field.
• One (1) – two (2) or more years of experience.

Standout Qualifications

• Experience leading or supporting Continuous Improvement (CI) projects or Kaizen events in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools, including 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, waste elimination, and root cause analysis.
• Experience identifying and implementing improvements related to cycle time, throughput, productivity, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience using data and metrics to identify improvement opportunities and measure results.
• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt certification preferred.
• Experience working cross-functionally with production supervisors, operators, and manufacturing engineering teams.
• Knowledge of the heavy equipment, automotive, or high-volume manufacturing industry.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position is based in a manufacturing or production environment and may involve exposure to loud noise, dust, moving machinery, or temperature fluctuations.
• The role may require standing for extended periods, repetitive motions, lifting items up to 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, climbing, or using tools and equipment.
• Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when required.
• Visual and auditory acuity are needed for safe equipment operation and effective communication in a busy workspace.
• Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure access to all essential job functions.

$73,200.00 - $117,800.00

The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.