Lean Engineer

Department: Production      

Job Title:  Lean Engineer 

Reports To:  Site Director

FSLA Status: Exempt

Location: Onsite, Cincinnati OH (no remote or hybrid work offered)

Who is Sur-Seal?

At Sur-Seal, we simplify engineering and supply chain to solve our customers’ sealing challenges.  For over 50 years we’ve been designing, sourcing and manufacturing sealing products for OEM customers across multiple industries.  We embrace the idea that each customer challenge is unique and pride ourselves on helping them find the right, unique solution. 

Our customers value our expertise in global sourcing, supply chain, sealing engineering, and precise manufacturing.  We earn our customers’ loyalty because we are reliable and responsive to their needs.  We have a formula that works, and our growth is accelerating. Sur-Seal’s purpose is to make the world safer, brighter, and cleaner.  We are a leader in the design and development of sealing solutions for numerous industries including lighting, HVAC, and healthcare.

What is the objective of the Lean Engineer role at Sur-Seal? 

Under the direction of the Site Director, the Lean Engineer is responsible for creating and executing efficient manufacturing systems utilizing lean concepts and leading ongoing continuous improvement initiatives within that environment, resulting in cost savings within exceptional standards of operations.

Essential Job Functions:

• In collaboration with materials and factory management, outlines transformation plan for driving improved quality and efficiency across Sur-Seal’s material and production process flows.

• Develops and leads Kaizen plan that aligns with transformation plan.
• Engages with employees of all areas to elicit ideas for improvement.
• Implements methods and modifications to reduce production costs.
• Teaches lean tools to those involved in events, and on broader scale to the organization, which in turn creates a self-sustaining lean culture.
• Ensures documentation and systems configurations are aligned with revised process designs.
• Collaborates with process engineers to design cost-effective manufacturing layouts and building ergonomics for launch of new product lines.
• Designs, redesigns, or enhances work areas and layouts so that awkward or uncomfortable positions, repetitive motions, and inefficient operations are reduced or eliminated.
• Maintains knowledge of trends and best practices in manufacturing methods, technology, and equipment; applies this knowledge to maintain organization’s competitive edge.
• Identifies and assesses various problems and departures from established manufacturing standards and best practices; researches and recommends solutions.

• Develops and maintains management information, planning, and control systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Sur-Seal leadership team.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Thorough understanding of ergonomics and applicable industry standards.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency and understanding of ERP and MRP systems. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Manufacturing or Engineering fields, required
• 2+ years of process experience in manufacturing environment
• Lean trained in a formal system, typically a 4-week lean program where lessons are applied in in a live scenario, followed by at least 1-2 years of successful lean implementation experience
• Lean Six Sigma certification a plus    

Physical demands, work environment:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking in a manufacturing environment. 
• May occasionally require the use of PPE such as safety glasses, sound mitigation devices, protective gloves, and/or safety shoes may be required in certain areas of the facility.

EEO Statement:

Sur-Seal is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity.  All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  The intent of this list of primary duties is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this job. Incumbents perform other related duties assigned. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.