Sustainability & Lean Manufacturing Engineer

Vanguard Furniture; Conover (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard Furniture is seeking an Industrial Sustainability Engineer in Conover, NC to advance energy management, lean manufacturing, and sustainable practices. The role leads process-improvement initiatives, supports Kaizen events, and mentors teams on continuous improvement across facilities.

The engineer will analyze energy usage, drive reductions, and implement efficient manufacturing solutions, collaborating with operations and engineering to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or Energy Engineering preferred).
• 3–5+ years of manufacturing experience required.
• Knowledge of energy management principles, sustainable manufacturing, or industrial energy systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Lean methodologies (DMAIC, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 6S, TPM).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; able to translate data into actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead CI projects focused on improving safety, eliminating waste, and increasing efficiency.
• Conduct energy audits across facilities to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for reduction.
• Collect, analyze, and monitor energy usage data; establish KPIs to track improvements.
• Develop and implement energy‑smart processes and modifications, including renewables when applicable.
• Facilitate value stream mapping and guide layout and workflow improvements.
• Mentor associates and leaders on Lean concepts and energy management.

Skills

Lean methodologies

DMAIC

Kaizen

Energy management

Data analytics

Excel

AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial/Mechanical/Electrical/Energy Engineering)

Tools

Excel

AutoCAD

Manufacturing analytics platforms

Job description

Vanguard Furniture is seeking an Industrial Sustainability Engineer in Conover, NC to advance energy management, lean manufacturing, and sustainable practices. The role leads process-improvement initiatives, supports Kaizen events, and mentors teams on continuous improvement across facilities.

The engineer will analyze energy usage, drive reductions, and implement efficient manufacturing solutions, collaborating with operations and engineering to achieve long-term sustainability goals.