Manufacturing Lean Excellence Engineer

ASTEC; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

ASTEC is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer to lead Lean projects supporting the manufacturing department. You will map value streams, identify process gaps, and implement countermeasures through Kaizen events, 5S programs, and Layered Process Audits to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.

You will apply Lean methodologies and problem-solving tools, collaborate across operations and support teams, and coach teams to sustain improvements and standard work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a manufacturing environment (welding, machining, paint, assembly).
• Strong problem-solving and data-driven decision making with the ability to work without detailed direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the facility (5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, workflow optimization, waste reduction).
• Apply Lean tools (5 Why, Fishbone, Poka-Yoke, Standard Work) to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Use SIPOC and Process Mapping to identify gaps in cross-functional processes.
• Partner with operations and support teams to resolve issues and implement sustainable improvements.
• Document current-state processes and develop future-state standards.

Skills

Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Manufacturing

Value Stream Mapping

Problem Solving

Data Analysis

Cross-functional Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

ASTEC is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer to lead Lean projects supporting the manufacturing department. You will map value streams, identify process gaps, and implement countermeasures through Kaizen events, 5S programs, and Layered Process Audits to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.

You will apply Lean methodologies and problem-solving tools, collaborate across operations and support teams, and coach teams to sustain improvements and standard work.