Operational Excellence Engineer/Manager

Overview

The Production Engineer leads continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance within a manufacturing environment. This role drives Lean Manufacturing efforts, process optimization, and operational excellence projects across the facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct Value Stream Mapping and process improvement projects.
• Improve productivity, quality, cost, and capacity performance.
• Analyze KPIs and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Support standard work, visual management, and daily management systems.
• Train and coach teams on Lean principles and problem-solving tools.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and leadership teams to achieve business objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing, industrial, or process engineering experience.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
• Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and process improvement tools.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience in metal stamping or high-volume manufacturing environments.

Work Environment

Manufacturing setting with a mix of shop floor and office work.

Job Type & Location

Contract to Hire position based out of University Park, IL.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $68.00/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)