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Lean Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Gotion, Inc.

Lean Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

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 ...

Gotion, Inc.

Lean Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

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 ...

PPC Flex

Lean Process Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$74K - $92K/yr

The Lean Process Engineer develops and improves manufacturing processes by studying product and manufacturing methods. He/she will collaborate with cross-functional departments to implement ...

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All JobsLean JobsLean Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lean information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$57.2K

$104.6K

$144.8K

How much do lean jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for lean in Chicago, IL is $104,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,800.00 and $118,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lean?

A Lean job typically involves improving processes, reducing waste, and increasing efficiency within an organization. Lean professionals use principles from the Lean methodology to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and deliver greater value to customers. These roles can be found in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Common job titles include Lean Manager, Continuous Improvement Specialist, and Process Improvement Consultant.

What does a lean do?

A professional in a Lean role typically spends their day analyzing current processes, facilitating Kaizen events or improvement workshops, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to identify and eliminate inefficiencies. They collect and analyze data, implement new procedures, and monitor progress using Lean tools and metrics. Regular communication with team members and leadership is crucial to ensure everyone is aligned and engaged with Lean initiatives. The role is dynamic and hands-on, offering opportunities to directly impact operational efficiency and organizational performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a lean role?

To thrive in a Lean role, you need a strong understanding of Lean principles, process improvement methodologies, and data analysis, usually supported by experience in manufacturing, operations, or engineering. Familiarity with tools such as value stream mapping, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Lean certification (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt) is highly desirable. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and change management skills help you effectively lead teams and drive improvement initiatives. These abilities are crucial for successfully optimizing processes, reducing waste, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lean jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lean job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,559 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Lean Engineer

Gotion, Inc.

Manteno, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 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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