Lean Manufacturing Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced Process Engineer to own, standardize, and continuously improve end-to-end manufacturing processes with equal emphasis on process capability, quality performance, and operational execution. This role blends the core responsibilities of Quality and Operations to drive cross-functional alignment and promote our goal of efficiently producing safe, quality machines for our customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Ownership & Standardization

• Own and maintain manufacturing processes for assembly and fabrication operations, from incoming material through final inspection.
• Develop, implement, and sustain standard work, SOPs, routings, and manufacturing documentation to ensure repeatable, high-quality execution.
• Define process parameters, controls, and acceptance criteria to ensure consistent output that meets design and customer requirements.

Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering Support

• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to support process design, line layout, material flow, and workstation optimization.
• Support time studies, capacity analysis, line balancing, and workflow improvements to improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Participate in tooling, fixture, and equipment definition to ensure robust and error-resistant processes.

Quality Engineering & Process Control

• Lead and support PFMEA development, control plans, and process risk assessments.
• Drive root cause analysis (RCCA, 5-Why, Fishbone) for internal defects, nonconformances, and customer issues.
• Own and execute corrective and preventive actions (ICAR/SCAR) and verify effectiveness of implemented solutions.
• Support inspection strategies including incoming, in-process, first article, and final inspection.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Change Management

• Support NPI activities by ensuring manufacturing processes are capable, documented, and validated prior to launch.
• Partner with Product Engineering to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
• Support pilot builds, process validation, and transition to full-rate production.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing tools (Kaizen, 5S/6S, value stream mapping).
• Use data-driven analysis to improve key metrics including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory.
• Monitor process performance and implement countermeasures to sustain gains.

Audits, Compliance & Metrics

• Support internal and external audits (e.g., ISO 9001) and ensure processes align with quality system requirements.
• Develop and maintain process and quality metrics to support operational decision-making.

 Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience in manufacturing, process, or quality engineering within heavy equipment, automotive, or similarly complex manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience across both process execution and quality control, including:
  • Assembly and/or fabrication processes
  • Process documentation and standard work
  • Root cause analysis and corrective action
  • Continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical) or a related field

Technical Skills:

• Process documentation (SOPs, routings, BOMs, control plans)
• PFMEA, RCCA, and structured problem-solving methods
• Lean manufacturing tools and continuous improvement techniques
• ERP/MRP systems
• Data analysis using Excel and similar tools (Power BI a plus)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and CAD models

Soft Skills:

• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, shop-floor-based role
• Ability to work independently while driving alignment across teams
• Detail-oriented with a systems-level understanding of manufacturing processes

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and support shop-floor activities
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as required

Travel:

• 20% typical, up to 50% at peak

Preferred Background:

• Experience at established industrial or OEM manufacturing organizations (e.g., heavy equipment, automotive, or tier suppliers)
• Exposure to ISO 9001, internal auditing, or formal quality management systems
• Six Sigma Green Belt or similar certification a plus

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Lanco is an equal opportunity employer.  All employment-related decisions, including but not limited to hiring, compensation, promotion, discipline (including termination), evaluation, training and development opportunities, etc., are made without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender-related identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, military status, protected disability, citizenship, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable law.