Lean Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) Specialist

Job Description:

Position Overview

The Lean Rapid Continuous Improvement Specialist is a hands-on, individual contributor responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with production, engineering, supply chain, and site leadership toidentifyinefficiencies,eliminatewaste, and improve overall performance in the production of steel components and solar tracker systems.

The Lean Engineer II serves as a subject matter expert in Lean methodologies, leading rapid improvement efforts that directlyimpactsafety, quality, delivery, and cost. This roleoperateswitha high levelof independence and influence, without primary responsibility forformalpeoplemanagement.

• Lead rapid continuous improvement (RCI) initiatives focused on productivity, throughput, waste reduction, and cost savings

• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities across steel fabrication, stamping, assembly, and production workflows

• Apply Lean methodologies (Kaizen, 5S,3P, Value Stream Mapping, DFM,SMED, TPM, standard work) to drive measurable results.

• Facilitate Rapid Continuous Improvement events and rapid improvement workshops across the manufacturing site(12-24 per year minimum).

• Train all production management and production personnel on lean principles using interactive training events.

• Analyze production data, KPIs, and process performance toidentifyinefficiencies and drive improvement actions.

• Develop new counterbalancing KPIs to link production, scrap, quality, safety, and attendance.
  
  Then work with IT to implement an incentive system thatdriveuniversal performance of these KPIs.

• Develop and implement solutions to reduce scrap, improve cycle times, andoptimizeequipmentutilization

• Support flow optimization, line balancing, and layout improvements within production environments

• Partner with operations to improve material flow and reduce bottlenecks across the value stream

• Conduct value stream mapping toidentifycurrent state gaps and design future state workflows

• Establish andmaintainstandard work and process documentation to ensure repeatability and consistency

• Support new product introductions and production scaling from a process optimization standpoint

• Partner with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Engineering teams to drive aligned improvement initiatives

• Influence operational decision-making through data-driven insights and continuous improvement practices

• Serve as a key liaison between leadership and production teams on improvement priorities

• Train and coach supervisors, operators, and site leaders on Lean principles and continuous improvement tools

• Promote a culture of accountability, problem-solving, and continuous improvement across the site

• Support development of daily management systems and visual management tools

• Define, track, and report KPIs related to operational efficiency, waste reduction, and productivity

• Monitor progress of improvement initiatives and ensure sustainability of results

• Provide regular updates to site leadership on performance andimpact

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field or equivalent Lean experience

• 5–10+ years of experience in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operations within a manufacturing environment

• Proven experience leading Kaizen events and implementing Lean methodologies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements

• Experience working in hands-onsteelmanufacturing environments (steel, fabrication, high-volume production preferred)

• AutoCAD and Solid Works experience.

• Must have experience in steel manufacturing such as stamping,roll forming, tube mills, slitting, or steel mills.

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)

• Experience in steel fabrication, stamping, or solar / renewable manufacturing environments

• Experience with ERP systems and…