Lean Manufacturing Engineer | Portage, MI

Salary Range: $75,000 - $114,000 depending on experience

Are you ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in {{role_field}}? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to building meaningful connections in manufacturing. We partner with leading companies in Portage seeking 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 partnering with organizations in Portage that are seeking Lean Manufacturing Engineers. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Lean manufacturing principles and techniques (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, SMED, VSM).
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
• Conduct time studies, process mapping, and value stream mapping to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (production, quality, maintenance) to drive Lean culture and achieve operational excellence.
• Design and implement visual management tools and systems to enhance workplace organization and communication.
• Train and mentor employees on Lean methodologies and tools to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Analyze production data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify opportunities for further optimization.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing) or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience implementing Lean manufacturing principles (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, SMED) in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects resulting in measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools and methodologies.
• Experience with various manufacturing processes and equipment.

Bonus Qualifications

• Certified in Six Sigma Black Belt
• Experience with advanced simulation software (e.g., Arena, FlexSim)
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g., IoT, AI, robotics)
• PMP certification or equivalent project management experience
• Proficiency in a programming language (e.g., Python, R) for data analysis

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lean Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Production Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Operational Excellence Engineer, Lean Specialist, Six Sigma Engineer, Value Stream Manager

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.