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Lean Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lean DevOps; algorithms, data structures. Job Requirements Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Applications, Computer Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or any Engineering field, or ...

Lean Manager (Vulcanic)

Cary, IL · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

Apply strong Lean principles to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve process ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, quality, supply chain) to deliver ...

Lean Manager (Vulcanic)

Cary, IL · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

Apply strong Lean principles to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve process ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, quality, supply chain) to deliver ...

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * 7+ years of experience in Operations, Engineering, Lean, or combined experience in a related ...

New

Mechanical Engineer III

Peoria, IL · On-site

$82K - $102K/yr

Participation in implementing Lean Engineering principles, desired. * Participation in effective Change Management implementation, desired. * Experience in cross-functional team assignment(s ...

Senior Engineer - Hydraulics

Peoria, IL · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Participation in implementing Lean Engineering principles, desired. * Participation in effective Change Management implementation, highly desired. * Experience in international assignment(s ...

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * 4+ years of experience in Operations, Engineering, Lean, or a related continuous improvement role.

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * 4+ years of experience in Operations, Engineering, Lean, or a related continuous improvement role.

Lean Engineering background. * Demonstrated ability to translate technology and market trends into technology and product roadmaps. The Leadership Classification of the role is: * Manager:

Participation in implementing Lean Engineering principles, desired. * Participation in effective Change Management implementation, desired. * Professional registration and/or membership in committees ...

New

Industrial Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Strong project management experience with successful implementation of engineering and continuous improvement initiatives * Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies

Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and customer teams to resolve technical issues and ... Opportunity for accelerated technical growth through hands-on commissioning work About Lean Synergy ...

Systems Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$97K - $120K/yr

Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and customer teams to resolve technical issues and ... Opportunity for accelerated technical growth through hands-on commissioning work About Lean Synergy ...

Showing results 21-40

Lean Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$30

$55

How much do lean engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 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.

How to become a lean engineer?

To become a lean engineer, one should gain a strong understanding of lean principles and methodologies such as value stream mapping and continuous improvement. Relevant skills include process analysis, problem-solving, and familiarity with tools like Six Sigma or Kaizen. Earning certifications in lean or Six Sigma can enhance job prospects and effectiveness in implementing lean practices.

What does a lean engineer do?

A lean engineer focuses on improving manufacturing or business processes by identifying and eliminating waste, increasing efficiency, and optimizing workflows. They often use tools like value stream mapping and lean principles to streamline operations and reduce costs. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies are essential for this role.

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:

Infographic showing various Lean Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,591 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Directors, Software Engineering

TransUnion

Chicago, IL • On-site

$173K - $253K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


TransUnion rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

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Team Overview

Directors, Software Engineering for Chicago IL, location. Provide strategic and technical leadership for multiple cross functional, geographically distributed engineering teams responsible for the development, modernization, and operation of enterprise scale software platforms across public and private cloud environments. Drives the migration of complex legacy on premises systems to secure, cloud native, micro services based architectures, overseeing the design and governance of scalable, reliable, and resilient APIs. Plays a key role in enterprise architectural decision making, ensuring alignment with business objectives, product roadmaps, and organizational technology standards. Responsibilities include establishing and enforcing engineering best practices across DevSecOps, CI/CD, automated testing, security, and reusable platform components, while ensuring predictable delivery, operational excellence, and continuous lifecycle improvement. Manage and develop senior engineering leaders and architects by setting strategic goals, conducting performance assessments, mentoring talent, and building high performing global teams across onshore, offshore, and vendor models. Technical Environment: building low latency, high throughput, scalable, fault-tolerant systems; containerizing and running productions systems in public cloud; software design experience with APIs, Unix, Linux, Informix, PostgreSQL, Python, Web Services in C and C++, Java, SOAP, JSON, Google Protocol Buffer, Shell Scripting, GIT, Mercurial, Artifactory, Maven, UML, Match Algorithm design; building credit software applications using online platforms; streaming platforms (Kafka); Lean DevOps; algorithms, data structures.
Job Requirements
Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Applications, Computer Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or any Engineering field, or a related field plus 2 years of experience as a Lead Engineer / Developer or in software architecture / design required. Required Skills: Must have proven track record for building great teams that are focused on the marathon of continuous delivery and innovation; building low latency, high throughput, scalable, fault-tolerant systems; containerizing and running productions systems in public cloud; software design experience with APIs, Unix, Linux, Informix, PostgreSQL, Python, Web Services in C and C++, Java, SOAP, JSON, Google Protocol Buffer, Shell Scripting, GIT, Mercurial, Artifactory, Maven, UML, Match Algorithm design; building credit software applications using online platforms; streaming platforms (Kafka); Lean DevOps; algorithms, data structures. Some telecommuting permitted.
Benefits & Pay Scale Information:
TransUnion provides flexible benefits including flexible time off for exempt associates, paid time off for non-exempt associates, up to 12 paid holidays per year, health benefits (including medical, dental, and vision plan options and health spending accounts), mental health support, disability benefits, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, adoption assistance, fertility planning coverage, legal benefits, long-term care insurance, commuter benefits, tuition reimbursement, charity gift matching, employee stock purchase plan, 401(k) retirement savings with employer match, and access to TransUnion's Employee Resource Groups. Spousal, domestic partner, and other eligible dependent coverage is available on select health and welfare plans.
The U.S. base salary range for this position is $173,326/yr-$253,300/yr + benefits (www.transunion.com/about-us/careers/life-at-tu). annually. Regular, fulltime non-sales positions may be eligible to participate in TransUnion's annual bonus plan. Certain positions may also be eligible for long-term incentives and other payments based on applicable company guidance and plan documents.
We are committed to being a place where diversity is not only present, it is embraced. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.
#LI-DNI
#BI-DNI

Benefits that support every part of your life:

At TransUnion, we design benefits to help youfeel well, do well, and plan well-from day one.

For Your Health: Enjoyday-one eligibilityfor medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus supplemental plan options. Spousal, domestic partner, and other eligible dependent coverage is available on select plans. Choose taxadvantagedHSAandFSAaccounts to make everyday care more affordable.

For Your Protection: We've got your back withcompanypaid basic life and AD&D, optionalvoluntary life and AD&Dfor you and your family, andshort and longterm disability. You can also opt into alegal plan,pet insurance, andtravel accident coverage.

For Your Family: Fromadoption assistance and fertility planning coveragetocaregiver support, we're here for every chapter. AccessDependent Care FSA for possibility of an employer match, a complimentaryCare@Workmembership, andup to 12 weeks of paid parental leavewith eligibility for a thoughtful, gradual return.

For Your Future: Build toward what's next with our401(k) with employer matchandEmployee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Tapfinancial wellness resources,career coaching, and optionallongterm care insuranceto plan confidently.

For You: Grow and recharge withtuition reimbursement,flexible time off for exempt employees or paid time off for nonexempt employees, up to 12 paid holidays per year, commuter benefits, employeediscounts,charitable gift matching, andpaid volunteer time off, plus corporate volunteer events that make it easy to give back.

For Your Wellness: Access24/7 supportincluding professionaltherapy,coaching, and emotional wellbeing programs alongside guided meditation and resources that supportphysical, mental, social, and financial wellness.

We are committed to being a place where diversity is not only present, it is embraced. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, TransUnion takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in all levels of employment and develops annual affirmative action plans. Components of TransUnion's Affirmative Action Program for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are available for review to any associate or applicant for employment upon request by contacting ERCoE@transunion.com.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.

Adherence to Company policies, sound judgment and trustworthiness, working safely, communicating respectfully, and safeguarding business operations, confidential and proprietary information, and the Company's reputation are also essential expectations of this position.

TransUnion Overview:

At TransUnion, we encourage and are committed to creating a real, positive impact and shared sense of purpose within our Workforce for Good, which empowers our people to grow, innovate and contribute to a better future for our communities and customers. We strive to build an environment where our associates are in the driver's seat of their professional development- while having access to help along the way. We recognize that success comes when our associates thrive both professionally and personally; that's why we prioritize work/life flexibility and offer resources for our teams across the globe to collaborate and drive excellence.

Be a part of our Workforce for Good - you'll work with great people, pioneering products and cutting-edge technology.

Company:

TransUnion LLC

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