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Lean Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Gotion, Inc.

Lean Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

Partner with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to improve line performance and eliminate chronic losses. * Lead Lean improvement projects and Kaizen events focused on throughput ...

Gotion, Inc.

Lean Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

Partner with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to improve line performance and eliminate chronic losses. * Lead Lean improvement projects and Kaizen events focused on throughput ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Lean Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

Junior Lean Engineer **"Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without ... Support crossfunctional teams including Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering.

PPC Flex

Lean Process Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$74K - $92K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or equivalent experience. * 5+ years' experience in manufacturing, preferably in the packaging industry. * Green Belt Certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green Belt ...

PPC FLEX

Lean Process Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or equivalent experience. 5+ years' experience in manufacturing, preferably in the packaging industry. Green Belt Certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green Belt) OR ...

New

Giesecke+Devrient

Process Engineer II

Lemont, IL · On-site

Drive the promotion and facilitation of Lean Engineering events supporting the entire value chain. This position will focus on key cross functional process and system improvements allowing us to ...

Giesecke+Devrient

Process Engineer II

Lemont, IL · On-site

Drive the promotion and facilitation of Lean Engineering events supporting the entire value chain. This position will focus on key cross functional process and system improvements allowing us to ...

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Lean Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$30

$55

How much do lean engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lean engineering in Illinois is $30.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $36.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lean engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lean Engineer, a strong background in industrial engineering, process improvement, and Lean manufacturing principles is essential, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with tools like Six Sigma, Kaizen, value stream mapping, and Lean certification (such as Lean Six Sigma Green Belt) is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams stand out as vital soft skills. These competencies drive operational efficiency, cost savings, and continuous improvement within manufacturing or production environments.

What is lean engineering?

Lean Engineering is an approach to engineering that focuses on maximizing value while minimizing waste throughout the design, development, and manufacturing processes. It applies Lean principles—originally developed in manufacturing—to engineering workflows, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. Lean Engineering encourages continuous improvement, collaboration, and the elimination of non-value-added activities. This methodology is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and technology to streamline product development and accelerate time-to-market.

How does a lean engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements?

Lean Engineers work closely with cross-functional teams—including production, quality, supply chain, and management—to identify inefficiencies and implement process enhancements. They facilitate workshops such as Kaizen events, gather input from team members at all levels, and use data-driven approaches to develop sustainable solutions. Effective communication and stakeholder engagement are crucial, as Lean Engineers must ensure that changes are practical and embraced by all involved. This collaborative environment not only fosters innovation but also accelerates the adoption of best practices across the organization.

What is the difference between Lean Engineering vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectLean EngineeringMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, certifications in Lean or Six SigmaBachelor's or master's in mechanical engineering, professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, process improvement, product developmentDesign, testing, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems
Industry UsageManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, process industriesAutomotive, aerospace, robotics, energy sectors

Lean Engineering focuses on optimizing processes and reducing waste through methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma, often working across various manufacturing and process environments. Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems, focusing on product development, testing, and maintenance. While both roles require engineering credentials, Lean Engineering emphasizes process improvement skills, whereas Mechanical Engineering centers on mechanical design and analysis.

What are popular job titles related to Lean Engineering jobs in Illinois? For Lean Engineering jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lean Engineering jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Lean Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
Lean Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,591 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Lean Engineer

Gotion, Inc.

Manteno, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Lean Engineer- Battery Manufacturing

**"Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time."

About the Role

We are seeking a Lean Engineer to help drive operational excellence in our battery manufacturing facility. This role focuses on improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing downtime and waste, improving yield, and embedding a strong Lean culture across highly automated, highvolume production lines.

The ideal candidate has handson Lean experience in a manufacturing environment, is comfortable working with production data, and thrives in a fastpaced, technologydriven operation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Under the leadership of the Department Manager, analyze OEE data (Availability, Performance, Quality) from EV battery production lines.
  • Identify top contributors to OEE loss, including downtime, cycle time losses, and quality defects.
  • Lead root cause analysis using Lean problemsolving tools (A3, PDCA, 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto).
  • Develop, implement, and sustain countermeasures to improve equipment reliability, process stability, and product yield.
  • Partner with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to improve line performance and eliminate chronic losses.
  • Lead Lean improvement projects and Kaizen events focused on throughput, downtime reduction, yield improvement, and labor efficiency.
  • Establish and facilitate crossfunctional Lean teams, ensuring engagement from operators, technicians, engineers, and supervisors.
  • Promote a proposalbased improvement (Kaizen) system that enables shopfloor employee participation.
  • Ensure improvements are standardized, documented, and sustained through standard work, audits, and metrics tracking.
  • Actively support the development and reinforcement of a Lean production culture throughout the plant.
  • Train and coach team members on Lean concepts, including:
    • Waste identification (Muda)
    • Standard Work
    • 5S and Visual Management
    • Flow and pull systems
  • Support leadership in aligning Lean initiatives with Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale (SQDC/M) objectives.
  • Use Excel and manufacturing data systems to analyze trends, build reports, and communicate insights clearly.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • 3-5 years of Lean / Continuous Improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in EV battery, electronics, semiconductor, or other highvolume automated manufacturing strongly preferred.
  • Solid knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, tools, and methodologies.
  • Strong data analysis skills with the ability to translate production data into actionable improvements.
  • Strong execution and ownership mindset with the ability to manage multiple improvement initiatives.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across all organizational levels.
  • Demonstrated teamoriented and proactive approach.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Lean or Continuous Improvement certification (Lean Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred).
  • Experience working with OEE systems, MES, or equipment data platforms.
  • Familiarity with SPC, control charts, and basic Six Sigma tools.
  • Experience supporting new line launches, rampups, or equipment commissioning.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $90-110K + 15% bonus + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.    

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