1

Lean Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, quality, and productivity Design fixtures, tooling, production layouts, and manufacturing improvements using ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Ready to put your engineering expertise to work for a company that truly values work-life balance ... Lead Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, quality ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team and play a key ... Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and quality systems such as ISO 13485 and GMP is a ...

Advanced knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies ... NC/robot programming experience Pay Range $62,700 - $104,500/year Ready to Make Your Mark? This ...

Manufacturing Engineer II

Lexington, KY · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

You will lead troubleshooting efforts, implement lean manufacturing initiatives, and support ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field and/or equivalent experience * 2+ years of ...

Manufacturing Engineer II

Lexington, KY

$72K - $93K/yr

You will lead troubleshooting efforts, implement lean manufacturing initiatives, and support ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field and/or equivalent experience * 2+ years of ...

Manufacturing Engineer II

Lexington, KY · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

You will lead troubleshooting efforts, implement lean manufacturing initiatives, and support ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field and/or equivalent experience * 2+ years of ...

Manufacturing Engineer II

Lexington, KY

$72K - $93K/yr

You will lead troubleshooting efforts, implement lean manufacturing initiatives, and support ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field and/or equivalent experience * 2+ years of ...

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$88K - $108K/yr

Design, implement, and optimize manufacturing and assembly processes using Lean and Six Sigma ... Initiate and manage engineering changes (ECNs/CNs), assessing their impact on manufacturing, cost ...

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

... controls and Lean Manufacturing • Execute routine equipment purchases, to include presenting ... Engineer (AME) efforts to ensure operational efficiency goals are met. • Provide support ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$88K - $108K/yr

About the role As a Manufacturing Engineer at Packsize, you play a key role in strengthening our ... Design, implement, andoptimizemanufacturing and assembly processes using Lean and Six Sigma ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Florence, KY

$72K - $93K/yr

Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives within assigned ... Develop engineering standards, best practices, and procedures that improve process capability ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Florence, KY · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives within assigned ... Develop engineering standards, best practices, and procedures that improve process capability ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lean Manufacturing Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$32.1K

$69.1K

$87.7K

How much do lean manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean manufacturing engineer in Kentucky is $69,066.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $76,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lean Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectLean Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a Lean certification, engineering degreeRequires an engineering degree, often with process or manufacturing focus
Work EnvironmentFocuses on process improvement, waste reduction in manufacturing settingsDesigns and improves manufacturing processes, may oversee production lines
Industry UsageCommon in industries adopting Lean principles like automotive, electronicsWidely used across manufacturing sectors for process development

While both roles work within manufacturing environments, the Lean Manufacturing Engineer specializes in applying Lean principles to optimize processes and eliminate waste. The Manufacturing Engineer focuses on designing and improving manufacturing systems overall. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in their primary focus areas.

What is a lean manufacturing engineer?

A Lean Manufacturing Engineer is a professional who specializes in optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality. They use Lean principles and methodologies, such as value stream mapping and continuous improvement, to streamline operations and eliminate non-value-added activities. Their role often involves analyzing workflows, implementing process improvements, training staff, and ensuring that production systems meet both cost and quality objectives. Lean Manufacturing Engineers work closely with teams across the organization to foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lean manufacturing engineer?

To thrive as a Lean Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in industrial or manufacturing engineering, a thorough understanding of lean methodologies, and often a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with Six Sigma, value stream mapping, root cause analysis tools, and ERP or MES systems is typically required, along with certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help drive process improvements and foster team collaboration. These competencies are vital for reducing waste, optimizing production efficiency, and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing environments.

How does a lean manufacturing engineer typically collaborate with production teams to implement process improvements?

Lean Manufacturing Engineers work closely with production teams by observing workflows, gathering feedback, and facilitating workshops to identify inefficiencies. They often lead cross-functional improvement projects, ensuring that proposed changes are practical and sustainable for operators and supervisors. Regular communication, hands-on training, and follow-up assessments are key parts of this collaboration, helping to foster a culture of continuous improvement and buy-in from all team members.
What are popular job titles related to Lean Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Kentucky? For Lean Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lean Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Lean Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
Infographic showing various Lean Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,066 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Lean Manufacturing Engineer

spidf

Lawrenceburg, KY

Full-time

Posted 18 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.