Lean Manufacturing Engineer | Kalamazoo, MI

Salary Range: $79,000 - $119,000 depending on experience

Are you a forward-thinking 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 in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in Kalamazoo seeking skilled 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 partner with manufacturers across Kalamazoo seeking Lean Manufacturing Engineers who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping).
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Design, implement, and optimize production layouts, material flow, and workstation designs.
• Develop and standardize work procedures, visual controls, and performance metrics.
• Train and mentor manufacturing personnel on Lean principles and tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and achieve operational excellence goals.
• Conduct root cause analysis for production issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

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 and tools (e.g., VSM, 5S, Kaizen, SMED, Kanban).
• Proven ability to analyze manufacturing processes, identify waste, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach, utilizing tools like Root Cause Analysis.
• Proficiency in manufacturing software and data analysis tools (e.g., ERP systems, Minitab, Excel).

Bonus Qualifications

• Black Belt Certification (or equivalent) in Lean Six Sigma
• Experience with advanced simulation software (e.g., Arena, FlexSim) for process optimization
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor cross-functional teams in Lean initiatives
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g., IoT, AI) and their application in manufacturing
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lean Manufacturing Engineer, Process Improvement Engineer, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Manufacturing Excellence Engineer, Lean Six Sigma Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Production Engineer, Operations Engineer, Kaizen Engineer, Value Stream Mapping 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.