Lean Manufacturing Engineer | East Lansing, MI

Salary Range: $72,000 - $111,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for excelling in lean manufacturing engineer? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in East Lansing seeking experienced Lean Manufacturing Engineers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We are collaborating with multiple companies in East Lansing seeking experienced Lean Manufacturing Engineers. These organizations value long-term fit and are looking for professionals who bring both skill and alignment. By joining our network, you gain access to opportunities tailored to your goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping).
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities for efficiency gains.
• Implement and sustain Lean tools and principles across production lines to optimize flow and reduce lead times.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement new production layouts, workflows, and equipment.
• Develop and deliver training programs on Lean manufacturing concepts and tools for employees at all levels.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of Lean initiatives and report on progress.
• Facilitate problem-solving activities using structured methodologies (e.g., A3, Root Cause Analysis).
• Standardize work processes and create visual management systems to ensure consistent application of best practices.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience implementing Lean methodologies in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead and facilitate Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, and SMED.
• Experience with data analysis and problem-solving techniques (e.g., Root Cause Analysis, A3).

Bonus Qualifications

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• Experience with simulation software (e.g., Arena, FlexSim)
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g., IoT, AI)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lean Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Improvement Engineer, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Production Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Operations Excellence Engineer, Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Manufacturing Specialist, Process Engineer

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.