Senior Manufacturing Engineer — Lean Six Sigma (Defense)

Antenna Research Associates, Inc.; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is looking for a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer to lead Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and process optimization within a high-reliability RF/electronics environment supporting military and defense customers.

You will drive 5S, Value Stream Mapping, standard work, and Kaizen events while maintaining product quality, traceability, and compliance. Collaborate with Production, Quality, Design Engineering, and Supply Chain to deliver measurable

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or related discipline.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience implementing Lean tools (5S, standard work, visual management) and process-flow improvements.
• Experience with Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and cross-functional project leadership.
• Lean Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC, root-cause analysis, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and data-driven problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate waste, improve productivity, reduce lead times, and lower costs.
• Sustain 5S, develop standard work, and drive Visual Management and Poka-Yoke implementations.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional workshops; translate findings into actionable plans with measurable targets.
• Lead Lean Six Sigma projects from problem definition through sustainment; track KPIs and validate benefits.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Value Stream Mapping

5S

Kaizen

Standard Work

Poka-Yoke

Line Balancing

DMAIC

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration

Coaching

Education

Bachelor's in Manufacturing/Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Tools

SolidWorks

GD&T

Costpoint

TIPQA

ERP Systems

MES Platforms

Job description

Antenna Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is looking for a Sr. Manufacturing Engineer to lead Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and process optimization within a high-reliability RF/electronics environment supporting military and defense customers.

You will drive 5S, Value Stream Mapping, standard work, and Kaizen events while maintaining product quality, traceability, and compliance. Collaborate with Production, Quality, Design Engineering, and Supply Chain to deliver measurable