Lean Manufacturing Engineer

he Lean Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for implementing and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the production environment. This role focuses on optimizing processes, reducing waste, and improving efficiency through Lean principles and methodologies. The engineer works closely with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, supply chain, and engineering, to enhance overall operational performance. Key Responsibilities: Process Optimization: Analyze current manufacturing processes and identify areas for improvement using Lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), and Kanban. Waste Reduction: Implement strategies to eliminate waste (TIMWOODS: Transportation, Inventory, Motion, Waiting, Overproduction, Overprocessing, Defects, and Skills) and increase efficiency. Continuous Improvement: Lead Kaizen events and root cause analysis (RCA) sessions to drive sustainable improvements. Standard Work & SOPs: Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions to ensure process consistency. Production Support: Work closely with operators and production managers to resolve bottlenecks and improve workflow. Performance Metrics: Define and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as cycle time, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), First Pass Yield (FPY), and defect rates. Training & Coaching: Educate and train employees on Lean methodologies and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to integrate Lean principles into product development and production planning. Automation & Digitalization: Identify opportunities for Industry 4.0 solutions, such as digital work instructions, IoT-enabled process monitoring, and real-time data analytics. Requirements Required Qualifications & Skills: Education: Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field. Experience: 2-5 years of experience in a Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement role. Technical Skills: Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred), and Kaizen methodologies. Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) and PLM/PDM systems. Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar design tools (optional). Knowledge of statistical analysis tools (Minitab, JMP) and data visualization (Power BI, Tableau). Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities. Excellent communication and leadership skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Preferred Qualifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Experience in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments. Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or IATF 16949 standards. Background in automotive, aerospace, or marine manufacturing.