ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lean Engineering Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

spidf

Lean Manufacturing Engineer

Lawrenceburg, KY

... Lean Manufacturing System - developed from Toyota Production System). This position requires a ... How to combine class room and shop floor learning EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Engineering or related ...

Brinks

Director, Lean Operations

Louisville, KY · On-site

Preferred Qualifications Brink's Bronze or Silver Lean Leader certification strongly preferred Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field 10+ ...

Packsize

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Louisville, KY

$105K - $131K/yr

This role combines hands-on leadership of manufacturing engineers with ownership of lean manufacturing, process optimization, cost reduction, and operational efficiency initiatives. The position ...

Optimal Inc.

Industrial Engineering Intern

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The Industrial Engineering Intern supports manufacturing improvements in safety, quality, delivery ... Participate in waste elimination and continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing ...

Optimal Inc.

Industrial Engineering Intern

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The Industrial Engineering Intern supports manufacturing improvements in safety, quality, delivery ... Participate in waste elimination and continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing ...

Optimal Inc.

Industrial Engineering Inter

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

The Industrial Engineering Intern supports manufacturing improvements in safety, quality, delivery ... Participate in waste elimination and continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing ...

Epitec

Industrial Engineering Intern

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$17/hr

Participate in waste elimination and continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing ... Support experienced engineers and cross-functional teams while developing problem-solving and ...

kindeva

Senior Engineering Manager

Lexington, KY · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY The Engineering Manager will be responsible for building and administering a ... Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

kindeva

Senior Engineering Manager

Lexington, KY · On-site

ROLE SUMMARY The Engineering Manager will be responsible for building and administering a ... Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLean Engineering JobsLean Engineering Jobs in Kentucky

Lean Engineering information

See Kentucky salary details

$11

$27

$49

How much do lean engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lean engineering in Kentucky is $27.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $32.98 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 Kentucky? For Lean Engineering jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lean Engineering jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Lean Engineering jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Lean Engineering jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Lean Engineering job openings:
Lean Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean Engineering job openings in Kentucky 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 $56,996 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Lean Manufacturing Engineer

spidf

Lawrenceburg, KY

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:  Engineer, Manufacturing (SLMS)                               FLSA STATUS:  Exempt

REPORTS TO:  General Manager

SUMMARY

The SLMS Engineer is a technical and plant floor focused leadership position with an emphasis on improving manufacturing operations across the plant using SLMS (Summit Lean Manufacturing System – developed from Toyota Production System). 

This position requires a hands-on person who prefers the plant floor to the cubicle, and who will develop a passion for implementing SLMS into the manufacturing processes. The successful engineer will be humble, willing to learn from shop floor experiences as well as from team members on the production lines.

This position also requires strong analytical skills with the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions based on that information. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, have project management and leadership skills, as well as the initiative and ability to get things done with and through others. Problem solving, communication, mathematic, and Microsoft Excel capability are also required. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Shop Floor: 

  • Lead the implementation of SLMS in all areas of the facility
  • Conduct routine SLMS Audits and lead corresponding kaizen activities derived from the audits
  • Analyze manufacturing methods for process improvement, work balance and cost reduction using kaizen mentality and standardized work development tools
  • Teaching SLMS principles and concepts in a class room and shop floor environment to all plant employees from plant floor to plant management
  • Lead and manage projects while working independently, including independent decision-making on the shop floor
  • Develop and maintain plant floor layout(s)
  • Occasional travel to other SPI plants
  • Other duties as required by General Manager

Learning: 

  • Person will understand the theory and application in all aspects of SLMS (Jidoka, JIT, stability, True North - standardized work, pull systems, problem solving, material and information flow etc)
  • Ability to identify and eliminate waste throughout the plant
  • Broad range of experiences with different processes and environments
  • Learn how to organize shop floor activities, how to coach others to “learn SLMS by doing”
  • How to combine class room and shop floor learning

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Engineering or related degree or 3 years experience in a manufacturing environment. 

 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices
  • Ability to effectively communicate and coach all levels from plant floor operators to plant management.
  • Microsoft office products including (excel, word
  • A minimum score of 50  on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (26 on the Cognitive section).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically does require less than 5% travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job.  Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.

Apply