Plant Lean Technical Specialist

Alloy Enterprises; Gilbert (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson Controls is seeking a Lean Technical Specialist to drive Lean transformations across manufacturing. You will lead Kaizen events, conduct value stream mapping, and guide structured problem solving to deliver practical improvements.

Collaborating with operations, engineering, and leadership, you will embed Lean into daily management, guide Moonshiner prototyping for Lean design, and support 3P activities and process simulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
• 3–7 years of experience in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or industrial engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean tools: VSM, Kaizen facilitation, SMED, 5S, standard work, takt time, flow, pull systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean transformation activities, including Kaizen events and structured improvement initiatives.
• Conduct Value Stream Mapping and develop actionable future‑state implementation plans.
• Drive structured problem solving using A3, PDCA, root cause analysis, and other Lean methodologies.
• Partner with operations, engineering, and leadership to embed Lean principles into daily management systems.
• Provide technical direction to the Moonshiner, ensuring prototypes support Lean design intent, ergonomics, and safety.
• Support 3P activities, including concept development, layout optimization, and process simulation.
• Develop and maintain Lean standards, visual management systems, and performance metrics.
• Coach and mentor employees to build organizational Lean capability.
• Analyze operational data to identify improvement opportunities and track results.
• Support capital projects and new product/process introductions with Lean design principles.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Industrial engineering

A3 problem solving

Cross-functional leadership

Data analysis

Communication & coaching

Kaizen facilitation

VSM

SMED

5S

Standard work

Takt time

Flow & pull systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/Industrial Technology

Job description

Lean Technical Specialist

About Us

Silent-Aire, a division of Johnson Controls, is a global leader in owner equipment manufacturing (OEM) dedicated to providing custom solutions for data center customers. Our product line includes large-scale equipment such as air handling units and modular data centers. We pride ourselves on innovation, quality, and delivering tailored solutions to meet our clients' unique needs.

What you will do

The Lean Technical Specialist is a subject‑matter expert responsible for leading Lean transformation activities, facilitating structured improvement processes, and providing technical guidance across manufacturing operations. This role leads Kaizen events, conducts value stream mapping, drives problem solving, and directs the moonshine prototyping function to ensure improvements are implemented effectively and sustainably.

How you will do it

• Support Lean events, including Kaizen workshops, SMED, 5S, standard work development, and flow creation.
• Participate and lead Value Stream Mapping and develop actionable future‑state implementation plans.
• Drive structured problem solving using A3, PDCA, root cause analysis, and other Lean methodologies.
• Partner with operations, engineering, and leadership to embed Lean principles into daily management systems.
• Provide technical direction to the Moonshiner, ensuring prototypes support Lean design intent, ergonomics, and safety.
• Support 3P (Production Preparation Process) activities, including concept development, layout optimization, and process simulation.
• Develop and maintain Lean standards, visual management systems, and performance metrics.
• Coach and mentor employees at all levels to build organizational Lean capability.
• Analyze operational data to identify improvement opportunities and track results.
• Support capital projects and new product/process introductions with Lean design principles.

What we look for

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.
• 3–7 years of experience in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or industrial engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean tools: VSM, Kaizen facilitation, SMED, 5S, standard work, takt time, flow, pull systems.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience using A3 or similar methodologies.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence without authority.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.
• Experience working in a high‑mix, fast‑paced manufacturing environment is an asset.
• Green Belt Certified preferred

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $60,000 - $80,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-u

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.