Manufacturing Engineer - Lean Innovator

Gates Corporation; Poplar Bluff (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Gates Corporation in Poplar Bluff, MO is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to drive process improvement across manufacturing operations, collaborating with cross-functional teams to elevate safety, quality, delivery, cost and productivity. You’ll lead Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, standard work, and data-driven problem solving to optimize workflows and implement new equipment and automation.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s in Engineering and 2–4 years in a manufacturing setting; Lean and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field preferred
• 2-4 years of engineering or continuous improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience with statistical analysis and process improvement tools
• Strong analytical, project management, and problem solving skills
• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification preferred or equivalent continuous improvement training.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Facilitate Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including Kaizen events, 6S activities, standard work development, and waste elimination.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies such as PDCA & Root Cause Analysis.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and visual management tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve manufacturing processes and workflow efficiency.
• Support implementation of new equipment, automation, and process optimization initiatives.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational excellence projects.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality management systems.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Problem solving

Project management

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Gates Corporation in Poplar Bluff, MO is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to drive process improvement across manufacturing operations, collaborating with cross-functional teams to elevate safety, quality, delivery, cost and productivity. You’ll lead Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, standard work, and data-driven problem solving to optimize workflows and implement new equipment and automation.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s in Engineering and 2–4 years in a manufacturing setting; Lean and