Kaizen/Lean Staff Engineer

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Job Summary:

The Kaizen/Lean Staff Engineer is responsible for leading continuous improvement initiatives across the organization by applying Kaizen and Lean methodologies. This role emphasizes optimizing processes, reducing waste, enhancing productivity, and improving overall operational efficiency. A key responsibility includes facilitating Kaizen projects, organizing Kaizen events, and leading teams through continuous improvement projects. The Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams, conduct training, and drive a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

Kaizen/Lean Leadership:

• Lead and implement Lean manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, etc.) to improve operational efficiency.
• Facilitate Kaizen projects from concept to completion, ensuring projects align with company goals and deliver measurable improvements.
• Organize, facilitate, and lead Kaizen events to identify process inefficiencies and drive rapid, targeted improvements.
• Serve as a Lean champion and mentor team members to build a culture of continuous improvement.

Process Optimization:

• Analyze current processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop solutions to streamline operations.
• Implement strategies to reduce costs, improve cycle time, enhance quality, and optimize resource utilization.
• Use tools like root cause analysis, 5 Whys, and fishbone diagrams to solve operational problems.

Project Leadership:

• Lead Kaizen projects, managing cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution and sustainability of improvements.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business needs.
• Track and report on project progress, resolving issues that may impact timelines or results.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Collect and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess improvement efforts and track progress.
• Monitor metrics such as cycle time, throughput, scrap rates, and productivity, and use data to drive process improvements.

Training and Development:

• Develop and conduct training programs on Lean principles, tools, and techniques for staff at all levels.
• Mentor and coach employees to ensure adoption of Lean methodologies and foster a continuous improvement mindset.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to align improvement efforts with overall business goals.
• Collaborate with leadership to prioritize improvement projects and allocate resources effectively.

Sustainability and Standardization:

• Ensure that improvements are sustainable and standardized across the organization.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to document best practices and new processes.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field. Advanced degree or certification in Lean Six Sigma preferred.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in a Lean/Kaizen role within a manufacturing environment.
  • Proven track record of leading successful Kaizen/continuous improvement initiatives, facilitating Kaizen events, and leading improvement projects.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work).
  • Proficiency in Lean Six Sigma tools and methodologies (e.g., DMAIC, PDCA, 5 Whys, root cause analysis).
  • Experience facilitating and leading Kaizen projects and events.
  • Experience using 3P or SDR approach to driving the improvement.
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to influence change at all levels.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and across departments.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with automation and digital manufacturing tools.
• Experience in conducting workshops, training, or Kaizen events.
• Experience in automotive standard (IATF16949 and VDA etc.)

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodation.