Manufacturing Engineer & Lean Continuous Improvement Manager

The Manufacturing Engineer & Lean Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence across manufacturing operations through the application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles. This role blends hands‑on manufacturing engineering with strategic leadership to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost. The position focuses on waste reduction, process optimization, standardization, and employee engagement to maximize productivity and eliminate non‑value‑added activities.

This is an onsite role based out of the Temple, TX facility with responsibility for multiple manufacturing sites and up to 40‑50% travel.

• Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, quality, safety, and cost
• Design and implement standard work, process flows, layouts, and work instructions
• Support new product introductions (NPI), including tooling, process validation, and production ramp‑up
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, scrap, rework, downtime, and capacity constraints
• Conduct root cause analysis using A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and statistical tools
• Collaborate with maintenance, quality, production, and engineering teams to resolve technical and operational issues
• Support facility design, material flow optimization, and process documentation

• Plan, design, and implement Lean manufacturing strategies across all functions
• Lead and sustain Lean initiatives, Kaizen events, and value stream mapping activities
• Drive waste reduction efforts related to scrap, cycle time, inventory, motion, defects, and over processing
• Establish, monitor, and report KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost
• Develop and manage Lean training materials and continuous improvement programs
• Coach and mentor employees at all levels on Lean principles, problem-solving, and CI mindset

• Partner with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to align improvement initiatives with business goals
• Coordinate with senior leadership to develop long‑term CI roadmaps and strategic initiatives
• Support training and development programs related to Lean, standard work, and problem-solving
• Exercise professional influence with tact and ethics when working with vendors, customers, and internal teams

• Promote and sustain a strong safety culture across all facilities
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with safety, regulatory, and customer requirements
• Support quality systems, audits, and corrective action implementation
• Ensure continuous improvement initiatives support quality and compliance objectives

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in an industrial manufacturing environment
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification required
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional teams and process improvement initiatives
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, leadership, and communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel), AutoCAD, and manufacturing KPIs
• Experience with ERP systems and statistical/process improvement tools
• Ability to travel up to 40‑50% and work onsite at the Temple, TX facility