Vesuvius North America · 8 hours ago
Lean Engineer
Illinois, United States
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expVesuvius North America is focused on eliminating waste and improving processes through the role of a Lean Engineer. This position involves leading the deployment of Lean methodologies, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and enhancing operational performance across manufacturing processes.
Consumer Goods
Responsibilities
Lead deployment, execution, and sustainment of VOS pillars, tools, and standards at the plant level
Ensure consistent application of VOS routines, including daily management, tiered accountability, and visual performance management
Support leadership in deployment of VPM (Vesuvius Performance Management) system, setting priorities, tracking actions, and closing gaps against SQDCP targets
Act as subject matter expert for VOS tools, methodologies, and behaviors
Identify and eliminate waste (TIMWOOD) across manufacturing and support processes using Lean methodologies
Facilitate and lead lean workshops, including:
Kaizen events
Material and Information Flow Analysis (MIFA) activities
SMED
5S and Visual Management
Standard Work
Drive standardization of processes to reduce variation and improve predictability
Ensure improvements are sustainable and aligned with Vesuvius best practices
Lead and coach teams in structured problem-solving using Vesuvius-standard methodologies, including:
8D practical problem solving
Fishbone and 5Why analysis
Support resolution of chronic safety, quality, delivery, cost, and reliability losses
Use data and KPIs to prioritize improvement opportunities and validate results
Coach and support operational teams in the effective use of electronic systems (e.g., VORN) to calculate, monitor, and improve OEE
Drive measurable improvements in OEE, yield, scrap, rework, and throughput
Partner with production teams to improve process stability, adherence to standard work, and operational discipline
Support optimization of material flow, layout, and production sequencing in alignment with Lean flow principles
Implement pull systems, Kanban, and inventory control solutions where applicable
Support change management for process, layout, and equipment changes
Support deployment of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles in collaboration with Maintenance
Promote operator ownership through basic care and autonomous maintenance activities
Participate in RCFA activities for chronic equipment losses and support sustainable countermeasures
Contribute to improvements in equipment availability, reliability, and OEE
Support development of continuous improvement-related CAPEX and improvement business cases aligned with Vesuvius investment governance
Ensure Lean and VOS principles are embedded in new equipment, process design, and layout changes
Track, validate, and report continuous improvement benefits, including productivity, cost savings, quality improvements, and risk reduction
Support plant Excellence Roadmap development and execution
Ensure Zero Harm is the first priority in all Lean activities
Identify and reduce safety risks through standardization, ergonomics, and process improvements
Partner with Quality to reduce defects, variation, and customer complaints
Support audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement of management systems
Coach, and support the teams in development and improving:
Standard Work
Visual management standards
MIFA (current and future), Process maps
Ensure improvements are documented, standardized, and embedded into daily operations
Train and coach operators, supervisors, and engineers on VOS, Lean tools, and continuous improvement behaviors
Build continuous improvement capability and engagement across the organization to reduce dependency on single individuals
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
3–5+ years' experience in Continuous Improvement or Lean roles within manufacturing
Vesuvius Operating System (VOS) or equivalent Lean production systems
Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies
8D problem solving and RCA
OEE, KPI development, and performance management
Material and Information Flow Analysis (MIFA) and process optimization
TPM concepts and cross-functional reliability improvement
Strong shop-floor presence and hands-on execution mindset
Credible change agent with high accountability for results
Structured, data-driven, and disciplined problem solver
Strong facilitation, coaching, and influencing skills
Ability to challenge constructively and drive standardization
Effective communicator across all organizational levels
Role model for Vesuvius values, Zero Harm, and continuous improvement
Preferred
Lean / Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher)
Experience in a unionized and/or heavy manufacturing environment
Experience with CMMS, MES, or production data systems
Company
Vesuvius North America
Leading the world of molten metal flow engineering and technology, serving process industries operating in challenging high-temperature conditions.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Julia W.
HR Business Partner
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