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Lean Continuous Improvement Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence, and process improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations. This role partners with ...

New

The Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence, and process improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations. This role partners with ...

New

Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts such as Value Stream Mapping, centerlining, and ... Continuous Improvement Mindset - Actively seeks ways to eliminate waste, simplify processes, and ...

Continuous Improvement Engineer

Grandville, MI · On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

Continuous Improvement Engineer Overview The Continuous Improvement Engineer solves business ... Help develop and implement CI training programs to embed lean processes into the company's cultural ...

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Lean Continuous Improvement information

See Michigan salary details

$27K

$90.7K

$125.5K

How much do lean continuous improvement jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean continuous improvement in Michigan is $90,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,100.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lean continuous improvement?

A Lean Continuous Improvement job focuses on optimizing processes, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency within an organization. Professionals in this role use Lean principles and methodologies, such as Six Sigma and Kaizen, to identify inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and drive cost savings. They work across departments to foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that teams consistently seek ways to improve quality and performance. This role is common in manufacturing, healthcare, supply chain, and various service industries.

What types of projects or initiatives do lean continuous improvement professionals typically work on?

Lean Continuous Improvement professionals commonly lead projects focused on reducing waste, decreasing cycle times, improving quality, and increasing operational efficiency across various departments. This can include process mapping, value stream analysis, 5S implementations, and facilitating Kaizen events to engage teams in problem-solving. The role often involves collaborating closely with stakeholders from production, quality, engineering, and management to ensure sustainable changes. These projects not only enhance organizational performance but also provide valuable opportunities to influence culture and develop leadership skills for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the lean continuous improvement position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lean Continuous Improvement professional, you need a strong background in process optimization, data analysis, and project management, often supported by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with Lean methodologies, Six Sigma tools, root cause analysis techniques, and certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt are highly valued. Exceptional communication, facilitation, and change management skills help set top performers apart in driving cross-functional improvements. These skills and qualifications are crucial for identifying inefficiencies, implementing sustainable solutions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within an organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lean Continuous Improvement jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Lean Continuous Improvement jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Lean Continuous Improvement jobs in Michigan?

For Lean Continuous Improvement jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lean Continuous Improvement job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,658 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Lean Continuous Improvement Manager (Detroit Thermal Systems)

Piston Automotive

Romulus, MI • On-site

$91K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Lead plant-wide continuous improvement initiatives to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People performance.

  • Define, develop, and standardize core Industrial Engineering processes, tools, and methodologies across the plant.

  • Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity metrics using data analytics and performance tracking.


Piston Automotive rating

3.0

Company rating: 3.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Detroit Thermal Systems- Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for leading plant-wide continuous improvement initiatives with primary accountability for driving performance improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP). 

This role establishes and standardizes core Industrial Engineering (IE) processes and standards while developing Manufacturing Engineers to build IE capability over time.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Include but are not limited to):

Continuous Improvement Leadership (~70%):

  • Lead plant-wide continuous improvement aligned to Piston Group’s CI / Lean Strategy to improve business objectives and SQDCP performance targets
  • Drive implementation and sustainment of Lean manufacturing systems, including daily management, standard work, and waste elimination
  • Identify and eliminate operational losses using data, structured problem solving, and root cause analysis
  • Coach and lead cross-functional teams in Kaizen events, problem-solving workshops, and improvement projects
  • Establish and sustain KPI management systems, including tiered accountability and performance escalation processes
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, inventory reduction, flow optimization, and productivity improvement
  • Ensure alignment and integration of CI activities with plant operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain functions
  • Lead development of a continuous improvement culture through training, coaching, and leadership engagement
  • Track and report improvement initiatives with clear ownership, timelines, and measurable impact

Industrial Engineering Systems (~30%):

  • Define, develop, and standardize core Industrial Engineering processes, tools, and methodologies across the plant
  • Establish standards for:
    • Labor planning and line balancing
    • Standard work and work measurement
    • Capacity analysis and modeling
    • Layout optimization and material flow design
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to deploy IE standards into production environments
  • Train and coach Manufacturing Engineers to develop core IE competencies and ownership of these processes
  • Provide hands-on support and mentoring on IE tools, including time studies, line balancing, and throughput analysis
  • Support development of engineered labor standards and productivity models aligned with financial and operational targets
  • Ensure sustainability of IE practices through documentation, audits, and governance routines
  • Support engineered labor standards and productivity models

Operational Performance & KPI Management

  • Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity metrics
  • Utilize data analytics to identify performance gaps and prioritize improvement initiatives
  • Establish performance baselines, targets, and tracking mechanisms for CI and IE initiatives
  • Support operational reviews with leadership by presenting progress, risks, and results

People Leadership & Development

  • Coach, mentor, and develop cross-functional team members in CI and IE disciplines
  • Build organizational capability in Lean tools, structured problem-solving, and industrial engineering fundamentals
  • Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement
  • Support leadership teams in driving engagement and adoption of CI methodologies across all levels

Safety, Quality & Compliance

  • Ensure all CI and IE activities align with plant safety and quality standards
  • Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to safety incidents and quality issues
  • Drive compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, and Materials teams to drive performance improvements
  • Support new program launches by ensuring process readiness, capacity alignment, and efficient production flow
  • Act as a key interface between CI strategy and shop-floor execution

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, or related field
  • Minimum 7+ years of experience in manufacturing, with strong emphasis on Continuous Improvement and Industrial Engineering
  • Demonstrated experience deploying Lean manufacturing systems and structured problem-solving methodologies
  • Experience developing and implementing Industrial Engineering standards and processes
  • Proven ability to train, coach, and develop technical teams
  • Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Automotive industry (OEM or Tier 1) experience
  • Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification
  • Experience in high-volume, complex manufacturing environments
  • Experience in unionized manufacturing environments
  • Exposure to advanced manufacturing and automation environments

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