Sr. Manufacturing Engineer - Lean Manufacturing & Continuous

ARA is a leading C5

ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities.

ARA is a leading C5

ISR company that designs, manufactures, tests and installs innovative technologies that provide the national security community with unparalleled situational awareness, threat detection, and communications capabilities.

Our disruptive, integrated solutions, assemblies and subsystems rise to the challenging demands of discerning, mission-critical customers.

We leverage our capabilities to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers and empower them to remain ahead of evolving threats and complexities in a dynamic security landscape.

The Sr. Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for leading and implementing Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and manufacturing process optimization initiatives within a high-reliability RF/electronics manufacturing environment supporting military and defense customers. This position focuses on eliminating waste, improving production flow, reducing manufacturing lead times, increasing throughput, improving first-pass yield, and reducing operational costs through the application of Lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and data-driven problem solving.

Core responsibilities include implementing and sustaining 5S workplace organization, leading Value Stream Mapping (VSM) activities, developing standardized work, facilitating Kaizen events, and executing continuous improvement projects. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to identify improvement opportunities, establish measurable performance baselines, lead cross-functional improvement projects, validate results, and implement controls to sustain long-term gains. Working closely with Production, Quality, Design Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations leadership, this individual will translate Lean concepts into practical shop-floor improvements while maintaining product quality, process control, traceability, and compliance with applicable customer and industry requirements.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
• Lead and implement Lean manufacturing initiatives to eliminate waste, improve productivity, reduce manufacturing lead times, increase throughput, improve quality, and lower operational costs.
• Implement and sustain 5S workplace organization programs, including Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. Establish workplace standards, visual controls, audit schedules, area ownership, performance measures, and corrective actions to maintain improvements.
• Lead current-state and future-state Value Stream Mapping (VSM) activities to identify non-value-added activities, bottlenecks, excessive work-in-process, process delays, and opportunities to improve material and information flow. Translate findings into prioritized implementation plans with measurable improvement targets.
• Develop and execute Lean improvement roadmaps addressing process flow, work-in-process reduction, material presentation, point-of-use storage, standard work, visual management, and waste elimination.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement workshops that engage production personnel, challenge existing processes, and drive practical, sustainable improvements.
• Apply Lean tools, including standard work, visual management, mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke), workplace organization, line balancing, and setup or changeover reduction, as appropriate to the manufacturing process.
• Maintain a continuous improvement pipeline by identifying opportunities, evaluating potential benefits, prioritizing projects, and tracking implementation progress.
• Conduct periodic audits and follow-up assessments to verify adherence to Lean standards, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions to prevent regression.
• Continuous Improvement Project Leadership & Measurable Results
• Lead assigned Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement projects from problem definition through implementation, validation, and sustainment. Develop project charters, define scope and objectives, identify stakeholders, establish schedules, assign responsibilities, and communicate progress and results.
• Establish baseline…