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Lean Manufacturing Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

The Lean Manufacturing Manager owns the lean deployment roadmap for the assigned RTCA site. This role builds lean capability across the organization by coaching site leaders, supervisors, engineers ...

Lean Supervisor

Everett, WA · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Position Summary The Lean Supervisor is responsible for leading the implementation and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the organization. This position partners with ...

Manufacturing Engineer 3

Auburn, WA · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the application of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools. Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology ...

New

Manufacturing Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$36 - $44/hr

... LEAN MANUFACTURING & LAYOUT DEVELOPMENT • Teach, implement, and sustain Lean Manufacturing principles, including Kaizen and continuous improvement • Develop and implement efficient: o Workcell ...

Manufacturing Manager

Bothell, WA · On-site

$42.40 - $63.61/hr

Drive continuous improvement efforts through implementation of lean manufacturing principles, standard work, waste reduction, line balancing, and efficiency-focused process improvements. Identify and ...

Manufacturing Supervisor

Redmond, WA · On-site

$89K - $148K/yr

Drive continuous improvement initiatives by leading Lean manufacturing activities, 6S programs, daily improvement meetings, and process optimization efforts. * Monitor production results, review ...

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Lean Manufacturing information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$42.1K

$90.5K

$115K

How much do lean manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean manufacturing in Seattle, WA is $90,548.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,100.00 and $100,800.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Lean Manufacturing jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Lean Manufacturing jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Lean Manufacturing jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Lean Manufacturing job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,548 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Lean Manufacturing Manager

Sumner, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

 

About RTCA:

RTCA is a precision aerospace and defense manufacturing group built on decades of hands-on machining expertise, with roots spanning more than 50 years. We support mission-critical commercial and government aerospace programs across North America through four U.S. Centers of Excellence operating as an integrated platform with 150+ CNC machines and a team of 250+ professionals.

Unlike large organizations where roles can be narrow, RTCA offers hands-on ownership and real visibility – you understand how your work supports the team, the operation, and the end customer. Our flat structure allows employees to take initiative, grow their skills, and have their contributions recognized, while still providing the stability, advanced technology, and meaningful work of an established aerospace manufacturer.

At RTCA, we believe in teamwork, excellence, and delivering with pride. One Team! One Mission!

How You’ll Make an Impact: 

The Lean Manufacturing Manager owns the lean deployment roadmap for the assigned RTCA site. This role builds lean capability across the organization by coaching site leaders, supervisors, engineers, and value-stream teams; leading value-stream mapping and Kaizen events; and developing standard work, visual management, and daily accountability systems that improve flow, productivity, and quality-at-the-source. The Lean Manufacturing Manager works through Operations rather than around it, partnering closely with Site Leadership, Operations, Quality, Business Systems, Engineering, and HR to translate lean methods into measurable, sustained business results and to build a pipeline of internal lean talent.


What you’ll be doing as a Lean Manufacturing Manager:

  • Working a full-time, onsite position at our Sumner, WA location.
  • Create and maintain the site lean deployment roadmap tied to business priorities and measurable operating results.
  • Coach site leaders, supervisors, engineers, and value-stream teams in lean thinking and practical application.
  • Lead value-stream mapping and convert future-state designs into prioritized implementation plans.
  • Establish a disciplined Kaizen system, including event selection, preparation, facilitation, follow-through, and benefit validation.
  • Develop and sustain 5S, visual management, standard work, leader standard work, daily accountability, and structured problem-solving systems.
  • Partner with Operations on flow, pull, layout, line balance, takt, capacity, constraints, setup reduction, and productivity improvement.
  • Build internal lean capability through training, coaching, certification/qualification standards, and practitioner development.
  • Maintain an improvement funnel and transparent reporting of actions, savings, productivity, lead-time, and quality/sustainment results.
  • Ensure improvements transition into normal operational ownership and, where appropriate, controlled business processes.
  • Advise the Site Leader and Operations leadership on where lean resources will create the greatest business impact.
  • Develop the lean team, assign resources, set standards, and build a healthy pipeline of internal lean talent.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Typically 7-10+ years of manufacturing/operations experience, including significant leadership of lean transformations.
  • Demonstrated, site-level lean/continuous improvement transformation results (VSM, Kaizen, standard work, flow/pull, daily management).
  • Strong leadership coaching skills and executive-level communication, with the ability to advise and influence site leadership.
  • Deep, practical lean knowledge that goes beyond classroom certification, gained through hands-on application.
  • Ability to prioritize a portfolio of improvement work and balance near-term operating needs with longer-term system development.
  • Financial fluency and the ability to validate and communicate the business impact of operational improvements.
  • Experience developing and mentoring other lean practitioners (coordinators, engineers, senior engineers).
  • Must meet Export Control compliance requirements as a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15.


Preferred Qualifications (Education, skills and experience):

  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent advanced lean/CI certification.
  • Prior experience in aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated precision manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with AS9100 or similar quality management systems.
  • Multi-site or enterprise-level exposure to operational excellence deployment.
  • Experience building or scaling a lean function from an early or developing stage.


Compensation and Benefits: 

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • Choice of medical plan options, including a no-cost employee-only coverage plan
  • HSA-eligible health plan with employer contributions 
  • Basic and supplemental life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) plan with up to a 6% QACA company match
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick time, and nine (9) paid company holidays
  • Shift differentials for applicable off-shifts
  • Discretionary bonus programs based on position and company performance

The Lean Manufacturing Manager compensation range for onsite Sumner, WA applicants is $120,000 - 135,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Other site ranges may differ.

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. 

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. 

 

RTCA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

 

Applicants wishing to receive information on RTCA’s Affirmative Action Plans, or those requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, should contact the RTCA Human Resources Department. Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to access or use our career center due to a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources.

 

Candidates will receive consideration without discrimination in accordance with Article 9, Chapter XVIII of the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code and applicable federal, state, and local laws.