Operational 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

About The Position

Operational Excellence Engineer executes Lean projects and initiatives to support the manufacturing department. This role develops value stream maps, identifies gaps in current processes and implements counter measures to resolve them via Kaizen events, 5S program, Layered Process Audits, and other Lean tools.

About The Position

Operational Excellence Engineer executes Lean projects and initiatives to support the manufacturing department. This role develops value stream maps, identifies gaps in current processes and implements counter measures to resolve them via Kaizen events, 5S program, Layered Process Audits, and other Lean tools.

Key Activities & Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across the facility, including 5S, Kaizen events, value stream mapping, workflow optimization, and waste reduction.
• Apply Lean and problem-solving tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, Poka-Yoke, and Standard Work to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Use tools such as SIPOC and Process Mapping to identify gaps in cross-functional processes
• Partner with operations and support teams to resolve manufacturing issues and implement sustainable improvements.
• Document current-state processes, identify opportunities, and develop future-state solutions and standards.
• Analyze operational data to identify improvement opportunities, validate results, and drive fact-based decision making.
• Support the factory floor by improving processes and building quality into operations.
• Facilitate training and coaching to promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Drive projects to completion with minimal supervision, navigating ambiguity and taking ownership of results.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field from an accredited university.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification required; Black Belt preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including exposure to welding, machining, paint, and assembly operations.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguity by independently defining problems, gathering information, developing solutions, and driving implementation without requiring detailed direction or constant oversight.
• Proven ability to influence and drive changes through effective communication, training, facilitation, and data-driven decision making.
• Strong bias for action and ownership mindset; able to identify challenges, define a path forward, and execute solutions in uncertain or evolving environments.
• Ability to identify operational issues, determine root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Demonstrated experience applying Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies, including 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Poka-Yoke, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Why, Fishbone Diagrams, Standard Work, and Visual Management.
• Proven ability to leverage data and analytics to identify opportunities, quantify impact, prioritize improvements, and deliver measurable business results.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, from shop floor personnel to executive leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across operations, engineering, purchasing, quality, and suppliers while fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Ability to challenge existing processes constructively and gain buy-in for change through facts, data, and demonstrated results.
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks is a plus.

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations

None