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Lean Manufacturing Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Protingent

Manufacturing Tech I

Newberg, OR · On-site

$41K - $58K/yr

Support Manufacturing in work cell development and lean manufacturing improvement initiatives * Support Manufacturing and Engineering in the development and execution of Engineering Change Orders ...

UCT Alumni Association

Manufacturing Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Lean Manufacturing Principles, Six Sigma Greenbelt preferred. * Familiarity with semiconductor capital equipment. * Knowledge of electronic Work Instruction software is a plus (i.e., Sequence). * ERP ...

QuantumClean

Manufacturing Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Lean Manufacturing Principles, Six Sigma Greenbelt preferred. * Familiarity with semiconductor capital equipment. * Knowledge of electronic Work Instruction software is a plus (i.e., Sequence). * ERP ...

Twist Bioscience

Manufacturing Associate

Portland, OR · On-site

Learn, adopt and promote lean manufacturing concepts. * Complete all the daily assigned tasks to keep the manufacturing schedule on track and report back to Lead and Supervisor. What You'll Bring to ...

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$39.2K

$84.3K

$107.1K

How much do lean manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean manufacturing in Portland, OR is $84,333.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,400.00 and $93,900.00 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 popular job titles related to Lean Manufacturing jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Lean Manufacturing jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Lean Manufacturing jobs in Portland, OR are:

Lean Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean Manufacturing job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,333 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Director of Manufacturing Operations - Hillsboro

nLIGHT

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description
About nLIGHT
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Director of Manufacturing Operations
The Director of Manufacturing Operations is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of semiconductor laser assembly production. This role ensures operational excellence by managing strategic planning, production execution, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve world-class standards in quality, delivery, efficiency, and safety. The director drives continuous improvement and innovation, supporting the company's growth and competitiveness in both military and commercial markets.
Responsibilities
  • Manages strategic and tactical aspects of semiconductor laser assembly production for medium-to-high-volume production of ruggedized military & commercial products
  • Establishes production schedules with planning and business groups and executes against schedule to meet goals for revenue, on-time delivery and lead-time
  • Provides supervision and leadership to direct reports including employee performance management, motivating and facilitating continuous learning and development, conducting annual performance appraisals, and providing timely feedback and recognition.
  • Meets aggressive, world-class goals on quality, cycle time, yield and cost
  • Leads global multi-disciplinary teams to deliver new products, sustaining engineering, and NPI of laser-based product lines as part of key strategy in vertically integrated organization.
  • Analyzes bottlenecks and establishes sufficient capacity to cost-effectively meet production demands
  • Drives continuous improvement opportunities and yield metrics utilizing wide variety of analytical techniques (such as FMEA, SPC, DOE, Gage R&R, 8D), lean manufacturing, and six sigma concepts.
  • Coordinates with facilities, including maintenance and build-outs, for optimal uptime and cost
  • Interfaces with senior leadership and various support functions such as Supply Chain, Development Engineering, Quality, Finance, HR, and IT as required to establish plans and execute against them
  • Collaborates with R&D to analyze competition, market trends, emerging technology and drives strategic engineering projects into production as capable products & processes.
  • Ensures strong safety program in place
  • Manages and motivates direct staff
  • Builds upon ISO9001:2000 certified quality management system in place

Qualifications
  • Requires a BS in Engineering (Optical, Physics, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical) and 10+ years high-tech manufacturing experience with at least five years in a managerial role, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • MS in Engineering or Business is preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in product & process development, NPI or process control of laser systems/photonic components
  • 8+ years of experience working for company providing products for US Defense and/or Government Contracting.
  • Working knowledge of FAR/DFAR requirements, and ITAR-compliant operations
  • Skilled in implementing and utilizing lean manufacturing, SPC, ERP, and MRP systems
  • Strong business and people skills, including strategic thinking, executive communication, and basic business financial acumen
  • Strong record of developing and transferring products and processes related to laser systems and photonic components
  • Strong record of effective judgement and decisiveness, clear thinking, problem solving through structured methodologies
  • Strong situational leadership skills, record of developing great teams and strong hires
  • Sets very strong culture of accountability, disciplined thinking, integrity and expectations, leads by example
  • APICS CPIM experience is preferred, but not required
  • Six Sigma Black Belt is preferred, but not required
  • Strong communication skills
  • Excellent team player
  • Demonstrated ability to protect confidential and proprietary information and exercise discretion.
  • Ability to travel up to 15%

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
  • Director of Manufacturing Operations: $160,000 - $185,000 annually

Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 15% of earned wages
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance

nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or [email protected].
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster

  • Right to Work Poster

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