Lean Manufacturing Optimization Engineer

Lean Manufacturing Optimization Engineer

Overview

Drive the next level of operational excellence by leading industrialization, lean transformation, and process optimization initiatives across a high‑mix, high‑complexity manufacturing environment. This role strengthens product quality, boosts process reliability, and improves throughput by applying deep technical expertise, structured problem‑solving, and hands‑on leadership.

You will own the evaluation and implementation of product and process changes, champion continuous improvement, and serve as a technical resource across engineering, operations, supplier development, and field support teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lean & Continuous Improvement - Lead kaizen events, deploy Lean/Six Sigma tools, reduce waste, improve flow, and drive measurable cost‑reduction and productivity gains using quality, downtime, and throughput metrics.
• Industrialization & Change Management - Validate product and process changes, support new product introductions, and manage cross‑functional change‑management activities to ensure smooth implementation.
• Technical Problem Solving - Analyze and resolve complex manufacturing, installation, and service issues; perform engineering analysis; and provide expert guidance on product and process performance.
• Equipment & Technology Assessment - Evaluate new equipment, automation, and process technologies for feasibility, ROI, and integration into existing operations.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration - Partner with mechanical/electrical engineering, supplier development, operations, field teams, and product/process management; coordinate third‑party contractors for improvement or change‑related activities.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 5+ years applying engineering fundamentals (mechanical/electrical), including print reading and technical documentation.
• 5+ years supporting supply chain, industrialization, or manufacturing engineering functions.
• 5+ years of analytical capability, including data mining, problem analysis, and advanced Excel proficiency.
• 5+ years of strong communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills for leading cross‑functional initiatives.
• 1+ year of SAP experience (material management, design changes, implementation workflows).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Systems, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in high‑volume, safety‑critical, or mechanically complex manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, PFMEA, control plans, and structured problem‑solving methodologies.

Work Environment

This role is based in Clinton, NC, just outside Fayetteville, within a large‑scale manufacturing facility supporting assembly, fabrication, machining, welding, quality, and engineering operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Clinton, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Health & Insurance Medical, dental, and vision insurance available from day one of employment Life insurance and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) 401(k) plan with company match, reported as fully vested and up to 7% of compensation in U.S. roles Profit sharing

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Clinton,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.