Lean Manufacturing Engineer

 lean manufacturing best practices and continuous improvement projects across multiple “made in America” manufacturing and fabrication facilities. In this role, you will be a catalyst for transformation, streamlining processes, leading Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, and driving operational excellence across all sites. Our client is a premiere manufacturer of a wide variety of engineered hydraulic products, in addition to providing custom fabrication and repair services for mobile heavy-duty equipment used in rigorous operating environments in Mining, Mineral Processing, Directional Drilling, Steel, and Oilfield applications.

Essential Job Functions:

• Lead the development and execution of company-wide Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives utilizing Lean manufacturing principles to achieve strategic growth plans.
• Apply CI tools (Lean, Six Sigma, Process Mapping, 5-Why, RACI models, etc.) to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, waste, and operational bottlenecks.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and hands-on training sessions to build CI capabilities across all production facilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and site leadership to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Define, track, and analyze KPIs to measure initiative effectiveness and enable data-driven decision-making.
• Serve as project leader for select capital improvement projects, including upgrades of automation and process control.
• Document processes and standardize best practices across multiple facilities.
• Travel 25-30% to company sites to engage employees, assess operations, and drive improvement efforts.

Qualifications & Experience Required:

• B.S. or M.S. in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical) or related field is preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.
• 7 years of experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or a related lead engineering role.
• Strong expertise in Lean methodologies; Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Proven track record of leading CI initiatives with measurable results.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects in low-volume/high-mix manufacturing, custom fabrication, or technology-driven industries.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels, from the shop floor to executive leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (QAD preferred) and CMMS tools (MaintainX a plus).
• Optimistic, solutions-oriented, and energized by driving meaningful change.
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to leverage input from seasoned employees, introduce new ways of working, and build buy-in across the organization.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, private equity-backed growth environment.