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What is a lean manufacturing engineer and how to become one
A lean manufacturing engineer has the responsibility of managing and deploying optimal manufacturing practices by developing and implementing quality control procedures to ensure that manufactured products meet a particular set of standards. For example, for a company that manufactures refrigerators, the lean manufacturing engineer's role involves that proper materials are used in construction, safety protocols are followed by staff, that the production line runs smoothly, manufacturing costs are managed, and that clients are happy with the finished product.
These individuals are responsible for best practices in manufacturing, supporting continuous improvement procedures and efficiency, as well as minimizing waste and reducing tooling costs. The lean manufacturing engineer works with employees and management to enhance productivity and quality standards, and is responsible for implementing the manufacturing goals and objectives of the business, and manages various projects to reduce manufacturing costs by instituting quality methodologies. These individuals are skilled in using computers and quality control software, have some experience in quality and manufacturing, and have excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Most lean manufacturing engineers work during a normal workweek, and often have an office in the same building or complex as the manufacturing plant. Although an advanced degree is not required to be a lean manufacturing engineer, many do have at least a bachelor's in mechanical or industrial engineering, however, many companies will offer training programs to members of their quality groups. A career as a lean manufacturing engineer can be rewarding for those individuals who are looking for a leadership role and have a knack for attention to detail, and most can expect to make up to $70,000 per year. According to the US Bureau of Labor, the industrial engineer field is expected to grow 8% by 2028.
What general advice would you give to a lean manufacturing engineer?
James Swisher
Director of Continuing Education, Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers
Avg. Salary $75,994
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 10%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.29%
Asian 17.14%
Black or African American 4.21%
Hispanic or Latino 10.52%
Unknown 4.72%
White 63.12%
Genderfemale 15.59%
male 84.41%
Age - 42American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 42Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Lean manufacturing engineer career paths
Key steps to become a lean manufacturing engineer
Explore lean manufacturing engineer education requirements
Start to develop specific lean manufacturing engineer skills
Skills Percentages Lean Manufacturing 14.63% Kaizen Events 7.38% Process Improvement 6.39% Sigma 5.10% Kanban 4.89% Complete relevant lean manufacturing engineer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New lean manufacturing engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a lean manufacturing engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real lean manufacturing engineer resumes.Research lean manufacturing engineer duties and responsibilities
- Lead several independent, cross-functional projects and improve manufacturing quality, reduce cost, ensure environment are supported and FDA compliant.
- Develop the Kanban system base upon customer demand to reduce inventory, overproduction and increase cycle times.
- Update and clarify processes as needed to ensure they conform to ISO, GMP and FDA standards.
- Support implementation infrastructure of Kanban system to the production floor.
Prepare your lean manufacturing engineer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your lean manufacturing engineer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a lean manufacturing engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
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Apply for lean manufacturing engineer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a lean manufacturing engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first lean manufacturing engineer job
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Average lean manufacturing engineer salary
The average lean manufacturing engineer salary in the United States is $75,994 per year or $37 per hour. Lean manufacturing engineer salaries range between $59,000 and $97,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do lean manufacturing engineers rate their job?
Lean manufacturing engineer reviews
The diversity of tasks, interaction with all stakeholders, continuous learning process, communication. Allows great progression in many technical skills
Stakeholders missing deadlines
Being on the field doing running inspections and learning from the technicians
Schedules my co worker where to work each day and making sure the process is flowing with the machines, materials and the needed information to make the products and service come out right.
Updated January 8, 2025
