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Lean Practitioner Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Gotion, Inc.

Lean Engineer

Manteno, IL

Lean or Continuous Improvement certification (Lean Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred). * Experience working with OEE systems, MES, or equipment data platforms . * Familiarity with SPC ...

Gotion, Inc.

Lean Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

Lean or Continuous Improvement certification (Lean Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred). * Experience working with OEE systems, MES, or equipment data platforms . * Familiarity with SPC ...

AAR

Continuous Improvement Manager

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on Lean practitioner with experience leading cross-functional process improvement initiatives across multiple locations. This individual will deploy Lean, Six ...

AAR Corporation

Continuous Improvement Manager

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on Lean practitioner with experience leading cross-functional process improvement initiatives across multiple locations. This individual will deploy Lean, Six ...

Wabtec Corporation

Quality Engineer IV

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$79.10 - $112.80/hr

Lean Practitioner/Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent experience preferred. What will your typical day look like? * Lead complex customer complaints, containment, root cause analysis, corrective ...

New

Wabtec

Quality Engineer IV

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Lean Practitioner/Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent experience preferred. What will your typical day look like? * Lead complex customer complaints, containment, root cause analysis, corrective ...

Wabtec

Quality Engineer IV

Buffalo Grove, IL

Lean Practitioner/Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent experience preferred. What will your typical day look like? * Lead complex customer complaints, containment, root cause analysis, corrective ...

Wabtec

Quality Engineer IV

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$79K - $112K/yr

Lean Practitioner/Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent experience preferred. What will your typical day look like? * Lead complex customer complaints, containment, root cause analysis, corrective ...

S&C

Senior Manager - Lean Six Sigma

Chicago, IL · On-site

$154K - $205K/yr

Demonstrated success coaching and mentoring, and developing Lean Six Sigma practitioners and leaders. * Strong proficiency in statistical analysis, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends ...

ProAmpac

Continous Improvement Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Focus on principles, practices, and behaviors needed to transform into an enterprise of Lean thinkers and practitioners. * Balance quality, productivity, and safety to achieve positive results in all ...

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All JobsLean Practitioner JobsLean Practitioner Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lean Practitioner information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$53

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How much do lean practitioner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for lean practitioner in Chicago, IL is $53.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.40 and $60.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lean practitioner?

A Lean Practitioner is responsible for implementing and sustaining Lean principles to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize processes within an organization. They analyze workflows, identify improvement opportunities, and apply Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping and Kaizen events. Lean Practitioners often collaborate with teams to drive continuous improvement and foster a culture of operational excellence. Their role is essential in enhancing productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

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

To thrive as a Lean Practitioner, you need a solid understanding of Lean methodologies, process improvement, and data analysis, typically supported by experience in operations or manufacturing and Lean Six Sigma certification. Familiarity with tools like Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen events, and statistical software such as Minitab is often required. Strong communication, facilitation, and change management skills help drive collaboration and effective problem-solving across teams. These abilities are essential for successfully leading continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste and enhance operational efficiency.

What are the typical career growth opportunities for a lean practitioner?

Lean Practitioners often start by leading small improvement projects and supporting process optimization within their teams. As they gain experience, they may take on larger, cross-functional initiatives and progress to roles such as Lean Manager, Continuous Improvement Leader, or Operations Excellence Director. Many organizations value Lean expertise, so practitioners can also move into consulting, training, or corporate strategy positions focused on process improvement. Career growth is typically supported by ongoing professional development, additional certifications, and a proven track record of successful Lean implementations.

How much does a lean practitioner make?

A lean practitioner typically earns between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Certifications like Lean Six Sigma can enhance earning potential, and many roles involve process improvement and operational efficiency tasks.

What does a lean practitioner do?

A lean practitioner implements lean principles to improve efficiency by identifying and eliminating waste in processes. They analyze workflows, facilitate continuous improvement, and often use tools like value stream mapping and Kaizen events to optimize operations within organizations.

What jobs require lean certification?

Lean certification is often required or preferred for roles such as Lean Practitioner, process improvement specialist, operations manager, and manufacturing engineer. These jobs typically involve optimizing workflows, reducing waste, and implementing continuous improvement strategies, with certifications demonstrating expertise in lean principles and tools like value stream mapping and Kaizen.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lean Practitioner jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Lean Practitioner jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Lean Practitioner jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Lean Practitioner jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lean Practitioner jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Lean Practitioner jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Lean Practitioner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean Practitioner job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,175 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Lean Engineer

Gotion, Inc.

Manteno, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Lean Engineer- Battery Manufacturing

**"Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time."

About the Role

We are seeking a Lean Engineer to help drive operational excellence in our battery manufacturing facility. This role focuses on improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing downtime and waste, improving yield, and embedding a strong Lean culture across highly automated, highvolume production lines.

The ideal candidate has handson Lean experience in a manufacturing environment, is comfortable working with production data, and thrives in a fastpaced, technologydriven operation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Under the leadership of the Department Manager, analyze OEE data (Availability, Performance, Quality) from EV battery production lines.
  • Identify top contributors to OEE loss, including downtime, cycle time losses, and quality defects.
  • Lead root cause analysis using Lean problemsolving tools (A3, PDCA, 5 Why, Fishbone, Pareto).
  • Develop, implement, and sustain countermeasures to improve equipment reliability, process stability, and product yield.
  • Partner with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to improve line performance and eliminate chronic losses.
  • Lead Lean improvement projects and Kaizen events focused on throughput, downtime reduction, yield improvement, and labor efficiency.
  • Establish and facilitate crossfunctional Lean teams, ensuring engagement from operators, technicians, engineers, and supervisors.
  • Promote a proposalbased improvement (Kaizen) system that enables shopfloor employee participation.
  • Ensure improvements are standardized, documented, and sustained through standard work, audits, and metrics tracking.
  • Actively support the development and reinforcement of a Lean production culture throughout the plant.
  • Train and coach team members on Lean concepts, including:
    • Waste identification (Muda)
    • Standard Work
    • 5S and Visual Management
    • Flow and pull systems
  • Support leadership in aligning Lean initiatives with Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale (SQDC/M) objectives.
  • Use Excel and manufacturing data systems to analyze trends, build reports, and communicate insights clearly.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • 3-5 years of Lean / Continuous Improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in EV battery, electronics, semiconductor, or other highvolume automated manufacturing strongly preferred.
  • Solid knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, tools, and methodologies.
  • Strong data analysis skills with the ability to translate production data into actionable improvements.
  • Strong execution and ownership mindset with the ability to manage multiple improvement initiatives.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across all organizational levels.
  • Demonstrated teamoriented and proactive approach.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Lean or Continuous Improvement certification (Lean Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred).
  • Experience working with OEE systems, MES, or equipment data platforms.
  • Familiarity with SPC, control charts, and basic Six Sigma tools.
  • Experience supporting new line launches, rampups, or equipment commissioning.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $90-110K + 15% bonus + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.    

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