Lean Manufacturing Engineer | Rockford, MI

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned 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 community growth. We are collaborating with leading companies in Rockford seeking Lean Manufacturing Engineers to lead and enhance their operations.

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 Rockford 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

• 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 and support functions.
• Develop and deliver training programs on Lean manufacturing concepts and best practices.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and optimize production layouts and workflows.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of Lean initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis efforts for production issues and implement corrective actions.

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) in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects resulting in measurable improvements (e.g., cost reduction, efficiency gains).
• Proficiency in data analysis and problem-solving tools (e.g., Root Cause Analysis, SPC).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and train at all levels of an organization.

Bonus Qualifications

• Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• Experience with simulation software (e.g., Arena, FlexSim)
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g., AI, IoT)
• PMP certification
• Bilingual (especially Spanish or Mandarin)

Job Titles That Should Apply

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