Lean Manufacturing Engineer | Kalamazoo, MI

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

Are you a forward-thinking professional with a passion for excelling as a lean manufacturing engineer? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships in the manufacturing community. We partner with companies in the Kalamazoo area seeking skilled Lean Manufacturing Engineers.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan's manufacturing regions. 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.

This posting covers Lean Manufacturing Engineer opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Galesburg, Comstock, Oshtemo, and Parchment.

The Opportunity

We work with companies in the Kalamazoo area that add 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.

Usual Responsibilities

• Analyze root causes of downtime and quality defects.
• Lead continuous improvement projects on the production floor.
• Map value streams and identify waste in current processes.
• Run kaizen events with production and maintenance teams.
• Develop and update standard work instructions.
• Track key metrics such as cycle time, scrap, and on-time delivery.
• Train operators and supervisors on lean tools and methods.
• Support 5S and visual management across work areas.

Recommended Qualifications

• Hands-on experience applying lean tools in a manufacturing setting.
• Knowledge of value stream mapping, kaizen, and standard work.
• Strong data analysis and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work with hourly production teams on the floor.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor degree in engineering or a related technical field.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with time studies and line balancing.
• Familiarity with ERP or manufacturing execution systems.
• Background in automotive or high volume assembly.
• Experience leading cross functional improvement teams.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Lean Coordinator, Six Sigma Engineer, Production Engineer, Operations Excellence Engineer, Quality Engineer, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Improvement Engineer, Industrial Engineer

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

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.