Manufacturing Excellence Engineer

Sopra Steria; Kinston (NC); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary

Annual performance bonus

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Life and long-term disability insurance

3 weeks of vacation

Sick leave and personal days

Monthly transportation allowance

World-class training and development

Job summary

Sopra Steria is seeking a Manufacturing Excellence Engineer to transform aerospace production lines through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies in Kinston, North Carolina. You will lead improvement initiatives, optimize layouts, and drive operations efficiency.

The ideal candidate has 3–7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering and a Master’s degree in a relevant field, with a strong understanding of Lean practices. This position offers a hybrid work environment and various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, ideally in aerospace.
• Proven experience delivering Lean and/or Six Sigma projects.
• Experience in production layout design or optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies.
• Deliver Six Sigma projects to reduce variability.
• Design and optimize production layouts.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma principles

Flow simulation tools

Problem-solving tools

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering

Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)

Tools

CAD tools (AutoCAD, CATIA)

Job description

Sopra Steria is a European leader in consulting, digital services, and software development, supporting its clients in their digital transformation through innovative and collaborative solutions. With 50,000 employees in nearly 30 countries and a revenue of €5.1 billion in 2022, we are committed to achieving sustainable results and placing people at the heart of technology. The world is how we shape it. For more information, visit us at www.soprasteria.com.

Join Sopra Steria Aeroline and become part of a forward‑thinking team shaping the future of aerospace through digital innovation. If you are passionate about managing business accounts, aerospace technologies, and want to make a meaningful impact, we want to meet you!

Job Description

We are seeking a Manufacturing Excellence Engineer to join our team as an embedded consultant within our aerospace clients’ operations. In this role, you will act as an on‑site expert, driving production line transformation through Lean, Six Sigma, and industrial simulation approaches. You will play a key role in optimizing industrial performance, designing efficient production layouts, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives in close collaboration with client operational and engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies (VSM, Kaizen, 5S, SMED, waste reduction)
• Deliver Six Sigma projects using DMAIC to reduce variability and improve product quality
• Define, track, and analyze key performance indicators (OEE, scrap rate, cycle time, WIP) and implement corrective actions
• Train and coach shop floor teams on Lean and Six Sigma tools and best practices
• Design and optimize production layouts, integrating flow efficiency, safety, and ergonomics
• Perform flow simulations to evaluate and validate layout scenarios prior to implementation
• Use digital twin and simulation tools to model production lines and anticipate operational impacts
• Collaborate with industrial engineering teams to align target architectures with operational requirements
• Lead cross‑functional improvement projects, coordinating internal and client stakeholders
• Track progress and report on milestones, performance improvements, and risks
• Produce key deliverables, including functional specifications, workshop outputs, layout designs, and performance analyses

Qualifications

Experience & Education

• 3–7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, production engineering, or operational excellence, ideally in aerospace
• Proven experience delivering Lean and/or Six Sigma projects in industrial environments
• Experience in production layout design or optimization
• Exposure to consulting or client‑embedded roles is an asset
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
• Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) is preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of Lean methodologies and problem‑solving tools (VSM, 5S, SMED, Kaizen, 8D, PDCA, Ishikawa)
• Good understanding of Six Sigma principles and statistical tools (DMAIC, MSA, SPC)
• Experience with flow simulation tools and digital twin solutions
• Familiarity with aerospace standards and practices (e.g., EN9100, APQP)
• Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, CATIA) for layout design is an asset
• Knowledge of aerospace composite manufacturing processes is a strong advantage

Soft Skills

• Ability to work autonomously while integrating quickly into client teams
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with experience leading workshops and trainings
• Analytical mindset with a results‑driven approach
• Adaptability in complex, multicultural industrial environments

Languages

• English (fluent)
• French (asset)

Benefits

• Attractive salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and long‑term disability insurance
• Optional add‑ons: Accidental, Telemedicine, and Critical Illness coverage
• 3 weeks of vacation
• Sick leave and personal days
• Monthly transportation allowance
• Hybrid work environment
• All the equipment you need to succeed
• World‑class training and development
• Clear paths for career advancement
• A caring, collaborative, and inclusive culture

We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.

Sopra Steria is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our company works everyday to combat all forms of discrimination and promote a respectful working environment. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.