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 to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, 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 directly impact safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This role operates with a high level of independence and influence, without primary responsibility for formal people management.
Key Responsibilities
Continuous Improvement & Lean Execution
- 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.
Operational Optimization
Analyze production data, KPIs, and process performance to identify inefficiencies 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 that drive universal performance of these KPIs.
Develop and implement solutions to reduce scrap, improve cycle times, and optimize equipment utilization
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
Value Stream & Process Design
Conduct value stream mapping to identify current state gaps and design future state workflows
Establish and maintain standard work and process documentation to ensure repeatability and consistency
Support new product introductions and production scaling from a process optimization standpoint
Cross-Functional Influence
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
Training & Culture Development
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
Performance Measurement & Reporting
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 and impact
Qualifications
Required
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-on steel manufacturing environments (steel, fabrication, high-volume production preferred)
AutoCAD and SolidWorks experience.
Must have experience in steel manufacturing such as stamping, rollforming, tube mills, slitting, or steel mills.
Preferred
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 production data analytics
Strong facilitation and influence skills across cross-functional teams
Machine design experience.
Stamping experience.
Working Conditions
Primarily based on the manufacturing floor with direct engagement in production processes
Requires hands-on involvement in operations, equipment, and workflow optimization
May require extended hours or off-shift support during major improvement events
Summary
The Lean / RCI Specialist plays a critical role in driving operational excellence across manufacturing operations. This position is ideal for a highly motivated, hands-on professional who thrives in dynamic production environments and is passionate about improving performance through Lean principles and continuous improvement.
At Array Tech, Inc., we strive to lead with our culture, and believe that our people are a key enabler of our future state. Our total rewards philosophy supports Array’s ability to attract, develop, and retain our employees. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and wellness programs that align with the local markets where we do business.
Array Tech, Inc. offers equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, or any other legally protected status.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent Lean experience
- 5-10+ years experience in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operations in a manufacturing environment
- Proven experience leading Kaizen events and implementing Lean methodologies
- Experience working in hands-on steel manufacturing environments (stamping, rollforming, tube mills, slitting, or steel mills)
- AutoCAD experience
- SolidWorks experience
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to translate data into improvements
- Experience applying Lean tools (5S, Value Stream Mapping, SMED, TPM, standard work) in production
- Ability to facilitate rapid improvement workshops and train production personnel
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
- Experience with ERP systems and production data analytics
- Experience in solar / renewable manufacturing or stamping/fabrication environments
- Machine design experience
Array Technologies Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Array Technologies and has not been reviewed or approved by Array Technologies.
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Healthcare Strength — Feedback suggests comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with added mental health resources. Some accounts describe the healthcare offering as a notable strength of the package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Feedback suggests generous PTO, paid holidays, and extras such as Summer Fridays expand time-away options. Flexible time-off approaches are cited as part of the overall appeal.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Feedback suggests access to company equity and an ESPP with a discount is part of total rewards. These equity programs are positioned as accessible elements for eligible employees.
Array Technologies Insights
What We Do
Array Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) is a leading American company and global provider of utility-scale solar tracker technology. Engineered to withstand the harshest conditions on the planet, Array’s high-quality solar trackers and sophisticated software maximize energy production, accelerating the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable energy. Founded and headquartered in the United States, Array relies on its diversified global supply chain and customer-centric approach to deliver, commission and support solar energy developments around the world, lighting the way to a brighter, smarter future for clean energy. For more news and information on Array, please visit arraytechinc.com.
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