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Lean Manufacturing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JMJ PHILLIP

Manufacturing Engineer

Cloverdale, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Lead or participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. * Analyze production data to identify trends and implement corrective actions. Production Support * Provide technical ...

Senior Aerospace Spencer

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Engineer

Valencia, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Provides technology advancements, studies, and ideas to improve the manufacturing process, including lean manufacturing philosophies (i.e. removing waste, reducing costs, and improving throughput)

Mason

Manufacturing Manager

Sylmar, CA

$140K - $180K/yr

LEAN Manufacturing Expertise: A thorough understanding of LEAN manufacturing principles is crucial. Demonstrated success in implementing LEAN methodologies and driving transformation initiatives ...

Socket.dev

Manufacturing Engineer

Commerce, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Description Manufacturing Engineering Location: Commerce/Vernon Position Summary The Manufacturing ... Lead Lean/Kaizen initiatives: 5S, waste reduction, value stream mapping, SMED, and standard work.

MGM Transformers

Manufacturing Engineer

Commerce, CA · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

Manufacturing Engineering Location: Commerce/Vernon Position Summary The Manufacturing Engineering ... Lead Lean/Kaizen initiatives: 5S, waste reduction, value stream mapping, SMED, and standard work.

Senior plc

Manufacturing Engineer

Valencia, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Provides technology advancements, studies, and ideas to improve the manufacturing process, including lean manufacturing philosophies (i.e. removing waste, reducing costs, and improving throughput)

MGM Transformer LLC

Manufacturing Engineer

Commerce, CA · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Description Manufacturing Engineering Location: Commerce/Vernon Position Summary The Manufacturing ... Lead Lean/Kaizen initiatives: 5S, waste reduction, value stream mapping, SMED, and standard work.

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Lean Manufacturing information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$78.5K

$99.7K

How much do lean manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean manufacturing in California is $78,480.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $87,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lean manufacturing job?

A Lean Manufacturing job focuses on improving efficiency, reducing waste, and optimizing production processes in a manufacturing environment. Professionals in this field use Lean principles, such as Kaizen and Just-in-Time (JIT), to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Roles may include Lean Engineers, Continuous Improvement Managers, or Process Analysts, all working to implement cost-saving strategies and improve quality. These jobs often require expertise in problem-solving, process mapping, and data analysis to drive operational excellence.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in lean manufacturing roles?

Professionals in Lean Manufacturing often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from team members, balancing productivity with quality, and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives. Adapting existing processes to new Lean methods can require strong collaboration and clear communication across departments. Additionally, prioritizing improvement projects and maintaining momentum can be demanding in fast-paced manufacturing settings. Overcoming these challenges provides valuable experience and prepares professionals for leadership roles in operational excellence.

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

To thrive in Lean Manufacturing, you need a solid background in production processes, process improvement methodologies, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with Lean tools like 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Six Sigma certifications are often required, along with experience using ERP or manufacturing software. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills are essential for facilitating change and working with cross-functional teams. These competencies are vital to effectively drive efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure consistent product quality in manufacturing environments.

What are examples of lean manufacturing?

Examples of lean manufacturing include just-in-time production, continuous flow, value stream mapping, 5S workplace organization, and reducing waste through standardized work. These practices aim to improve efficiency, reduce inventory, and eliminate non-value-added activities in manufacturing processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lean Manufacturing jobs in California?

The most popular types of Lean Manufacturing jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Lean Manufacturing jobs in California?

For Lean Manufacturing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lean Manufacturing jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lean Manufacturing jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lean Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lean Manufacturing job openings:

Lean Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean Manufacturing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,480 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Program Manager, Lean Manufacturing

Hayward, CA • On-site

Kelly Services
See more jobs at Kelly Servicesexternal

$108K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Identify inefficiencies, map current vs. future states, analyze variability/waste, and drive targeted corrective actions.

  • Deploy, audit, and sustain Zero Production System (ZPS) practices across various manufacturing teams.

  • Lead workshops and train shop floor and leadership teams on operational standards, problem solving, and key metrics.

Job description

Program Manager, Lean Manufacturing
??????• Location: 100% on-site in Hayward, CA 94545
??????• Work Schedule: Mon-Fri /40hrs weekly
• Pay rate: 62$ per hour
• Contract: W2 under staffing supplier; with a 6-month duration (temporary only, possible extension according to performance)
 Role Overview

Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across factory operations. You will partner with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, analyze operational data, eliminate waste, and embed Client's Production System principles on the floor.
 

Qualifications

  • Experience: 4–6 years in manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain (OEM environment strongly preferred).

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering or a related technical field.

  • Skills & Certifications: Proven cross-functional leadership; Project Management, Lean, or Six Sigma (Green Belt+) certified.

  • Bonus Points: Hands-on experience with ERP/MES systems (SAP) or analytics tools (SQL, Smartsheet, Databricks, Looker).

 Key Responsibilities

  • Process Optimization: Identify inefficiencies, map current vs. future states, analyze variability/waste, and drive targeted corrective actions.

  • Continuous Improvement & ZPS: Deploy, audit, and sustain ZPS practices across General Assembly, Execution, Quality, and Logistics teams.

  • Coaching & Mentorship: Lead workshops and train shop floor and leadership teams on 5S, standard work, root-cause problem solving, and key operational metrics.

  • Standardization: Define and document operational standards that build long-term manufacturing capability and accountability.


 
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

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