Lean Manufacturing Engineer | Plainwell, MI

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

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for excelling in lean manufacturing engineer? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Plainwell, seeking experienced Lean Manufacturing Engineers to strengthen their teams.

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 working with companies in Plainwell that are adding Lean Manufacturing Engineers to their teams. These organizations value quality over speed in hiring. By connecting with us, you position yourself for opportunities that align with what you're looking for.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Lean manufacturing principles and techniques (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, SMED, VSM).
• Lead continuous improvement projects to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
• Analyze manufacturing data and production metrics to identify areas for improvement and track progress.
• Design and implement new layouts for production lines and workstations to enhance workflow and ergonomics.
• Train and mentor production teams on Lean methodologies and tools to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., production, quality, engineering) to drive operational excellence.
• Conduct time studies and work sampling to establish standard work and improve productivity.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience implementing Lean methodologies (e.g., VSM, 5S, Kaizen, Kanban) in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Bonus Qualifications

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• Experience with advanced simulation software (e.g., FlexSim, Arena).
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g., IoT, AI, robotics).
• Proficient in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lean Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Improvement Engineer, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Production Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Operations Engineer, Lean Manufacturing Specialist, Process Engineer, Kaizen 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.