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Lean Process Improvement Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ventura Foods

Process Improvement Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$103.69K - $134.45K/yr

The opex engineer leads continuous improvement initiatives, leads root cause problem solving ... The Process Lead will also develop, coordinate, and train employees in various lean/sigma ...

Ventura Foods

Process Improvement Engineer

Ontario, CA

$103.69K - $134.45K/yr

The opex engineer leads continuous improvement initiatives, leads root cause problem solving ... The Process Lead will also develop, coordinate, and train employees in various lean/sigma ...

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$48.9K

$112K

How much do lean process improvement jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean process improvement in California is $107,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lean Process Improvement Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lean Process Improvement Specialist, a strong foundation in process analysis, Lean methodologies (such as Six Sigma), and data-driven decision-making is essential, often supported by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with process mapping tools, statistical analysis software, and Lean Six Sigma certifications are commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to lead cross-functional teams help individuals excel in this role. These skills are crucial for driving operational efficiency, reducing waste, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within organizations.

What are some common challenges encountered when implementing Lean process improvements in an established organization?

One common challenge is resistance to change, as employees may be accustomed to existing processes and skeptical of new methods. Additionally, it can take time to identify and eliminate waste without disrupting current workflows. Collaboration across departments is crucial, and aligning everyone around shared goals often requires clear communication and ongoing training. Successful Lean initiatives typically rely on support from leadership and a culture that encourages continuous improvement.

What is Lean Process Improvement?

Lean Process Improvement is a methodology focused on streamlining processes, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency within an organization. It originated from manufacturing, particularly the Toyota Production System, but is now widely used across many industries. By identifying and eliminating non-value-added activities, Lean helps organizations deliver better quality products or services faster and at lower costs. The approach encourages continuous improvement, employee involvement, and data-driven decision-making to optimize all aspects of operations.

What is the difference between Lean Process Improvement vs Continuous Improvement Specialist?

AspectLean Process ImprovementContinuous Improvement Specialist
CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, KaizenLean, Six Sigma, Kaizen
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, Healthcare, ServiceManufacturing, Corporate, Service
Primary FocusReducing waste, streamlining processesEnhancing overall process efficiency and culture
Employer UsageManufacturers, hospitals, logisticsCorporations, consulting firms, industries

While both roles aim to improve processes, Lean Process Improvement focuses on eliminating waste and streamlining workflows using Lean tools. Continuous Improvement Specialists adopt a broader approach, fostering ongoing enhancements across various organizational areas, often integrating Lean principles but with a wider scope.

What are popular job titles related to Lean Process Improvement jobs in California? For Lean Process Improvement jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lean Process Improvement jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lean Process Improvement jobs in California are:
Lean Process Improvement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean Process Improvement job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,422 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Lean Process Improvement & Training Enablement Specialist

Lean Process Improvement & Training Enablement Specialist

Solar Turbines Incorporated

San Diego, CA • On-site

$120.60K - $140.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Solar Turbines rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
The Lean Process Improvement & Training Enablement Specialist is responsible for improving production processes and accelerating new-hire readiness through standardized work, documentation, and training videos. This role partners closely with production leaders, operators, and quality teams to identify inefficiencies, design better workflows, and translate them into clear, engaging training materials that help production employees get up to speed faster and perform consistently.
Key Responsibilities
Process Improvement
  • Analyze current production processes to identify inefficiencies, quality issues, safety risks, and training gaps
  • Lead or mentor continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
  • Develop and document videos of standard work, process maps, job aids, and visual controls
  • Collaborate with production supervisors and operators to design practical, shop-floor-ready solutions in our Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
  • Track and report improvements in time-to-productivity, quality, scrap, rework, and throughput
  • Support change management by ensuring improvements are communicated and adopted effectively

Training & Onboarding Enablement
  • Design and produce short, clear training videos and digital learning materials for production roles
  • Translate complex processes into easy-to-understand, step-by-step training content
  • Partner with subject matter experts and frontline employees to capture best practices
  • Maintain and update and deliver lean course material
  • Support new-hire onboarding by building structured learning paths for production employees
  • Ensure training materials align with safety, quality, and compliance requirements

Collaboration & Continuous Learning
  • Work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Safety, Engineering, and HR
  • Coach supervisors and leads on sustaining standard work and training best practices
  • Stay current on process improvement tools and modern training delivery methods

Required Qualifications
  • Experience with Lean manufacturing methodologies
  • Proven experience with process improvement or continuous improvement initiatives
  • Ability to document processes clearly using visuals, standard work, or SOPs
  • Experience creating and delivering training materials (videos, job aids, digital content, or instructor-led training)
  • Strong communication skills
  • Comfortable working on the shop floor and engaging directly with operators

Preferred Qualifications
  • Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification (Yellow Belt, Green Belt, or similar)
  • Experience with video creation tools, learning management systems (LMS), or digital training platforms
  • Knowledge of adult learning principles or instructional design
  • Experience supporting rapid growth or high-volume production environments

Summary Pay Range:
$120,600.00 - $140,700.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
May 20, 2026 - May 26, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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