Lean Manufacturing Engineer

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.

Manufacturing Engineer, Corporate SLMS

The Corporate SLMS Engineer is a technical and plant floor focused leadership position with an emphasis on improving manufacturing operations across the corporation using SLMS (Summit Lean Manufacturing System – developed from Toyota Production System).

• Conduct routine SLMS Audits and lead corresponding kaizen activities.
• Lead Standardized Work training events to develop or improve existing standard work conditions.
• Analyze methods and manufacturing processes for improvement, simplification, and cost reduction using kaizen mentality and standardized work development tools.
• Identify barriers to successful program launches and provide support for new program development activities when required.
• Perform special project kaizen activities per plant request to improve efficiency of operations.
• Participate in PPS (Practical Problem Solving) activities.
• Assist in preparation and leadership of semi-annual corporate SLMS group kaizen activities (Jishuken) at selected manufacturing plants.
• Prepare and participate in leading bi-weekly SLMS meetings, facilitating reviews of plant kaizen events, company standards & best practices, and innovations.
• Develop best-practices based on observations and presentations to spread company-wide (Yokoten).
• Maintain, improve and update SLMS training materials and documentation.
• Lead “Train the trainer” activities for SLMS engineers on standardized work and SLMS training courses.
• Audit current bill of material (BOM) standards to ensure accurate measurement of operational work performance.

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or technical field.
• 1-3 years of experience in a lean manufacturing role in the automotive industry is preferred.

• Hands‑on individual who prefers the shop floor to an office environment.
• A passion for the Toyota Production System.
• Ability and willingness to learn from shop floor experiences.
• Highly energetic, confident, and assertive with the ability to lead and motivate others.
• Strong communication skills and ability to train to the plant SLMS Engineers and functional managers.
• Ability to interact and build consensus with individuals at all levels throughout the organization.
• Demonstrated success in project management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency with CAD systems (AutoCAD, Solid Works, or Draft Sight preferred).
• Willingness to travel to manufacturing plants in the USA, Mexico and Asia.
• A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (Traditional score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

This position typically requires up to 30% travel.

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all‑inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all‑inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post‑hire required training.