Company Description:
We are a manufacturer of structural parts for the leading original equipment manufacturers (OEM's) in the large business and regional jet markets. Our experience and capabilities span multiple segments of an aircraft, including the engine pylon, struts, wing box, wings, wheel well, and the interior. Our success is based on utilizing proprietary manufacturing techniques to manufacture high quality complex parts through cost effective production. Given its breadth of capabilities and strong customer relationships, we have substantial content on the aviation industry's most popular aircraft.
Job Description:
The Lean Practitioner is responsible for leading and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across aerospace manufacturing operations. This role applies Lean principles and operational excellence methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and compliance while ensuring adherence to aerospace industry standards, including AS9100, customer requirements, and regulatory expectations. The Lean Practitioner partners with production, engineering, quality, supply chain, and leadership teams to eliminate waste, optimize processes, increase throughput, and drive sustainable business results. What will my responsibilities include? Continuous Improvement Leadership
- Lead Lean transformation initiatives across manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, machining, test, and support operations.
- Facilitate Kaizen events, Rapid Improvement Workshops, and Value Stream Mapping activities.
- Identify and eliminate non-value-added activities to improve productivity, flow, and operational performance.
- Support the development and execution of site-level Operational Excellence strategies.
- Drive implementation of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement best practices.
Process Improvement
- Analyze manufacturing workflows and production constraints to improve throughput and reduce cycle times.
- Conduct root cause investigations using A3, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and other structured problem-solving methods.
- Implement Standard Work, Visual Management systems, Leader Standard Work, and Daily Management practices.
- Support cellular manufacturing, point-of-use inventory, pull systems, and Kanban deployments.
- Improve material flow throughout production and warehouse operations.
Quality and Compliance
- Collaborate with Quality and Engineering teams to improve First Pass Yield (FPY) and reduce defects and rework.
- Ensure improvement initiatives align with AS9100 quality management requirements and customer specifications.
- Support corrective and preventive action (CAPA) activities resulting from audits, customer complaints, and nonconformance investigations.
- Participate in internal audits and continuous improvement activities supporting regulatory compliance.
Data Analysis and Performance Management
- Develop and monitor operational metrics and KPIs.
- Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Build reports and dashboards to communicate improvement results to leadership.
- Validate and sustain financial savings generated through Lean projects.
Culture and Capability Building
- Train and coach employees, supervisors, and managers on Lean tools and methodologies.
- Facilitate employee engagement in continuous improvement programs.
- Develop CI champions and support a culture of accountability and operational excellence.
- Promote safety, quality, and customer-focused behaviors throughout the organization.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
- Equivalent combination of education and aerospace manufacturing experience may be considered.
Experience:
- 3+ years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Industrial Engineering.
- Experience within aerospace, defense, aviation, or highly regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
- Proven record of leading cross-functional improvement projects with measurable operational results.
Preferred Qualifications
- Lean Practitioner Certification
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
- AS9100 Internal Auditor Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as INFOR, SAP, Oracle, or Epicor
- Experience supporting FAA, DoD, NASA, or commercial aerospace customers
Lean Tools and Methodologies
The successful candidate will have working knowledge of:
- Lean Manufacturing Principles
- Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
- Kaizen Facilitation
- 5S Workplace Organization
- Standard Work
- Visual Management
- Kanban Systems
- Cellular Manufacturing
- SMED (Quick Changeover)
- Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
- Root Cause Analysis
- A3 Problem Solving
- PDCA Methodology
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The Lean Practitioner will be evaluated on:
- First Pass Yield (FPY)
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- On-Time Delivery (OTD)
- Manufacturing Cycle Time Reduction
- Cost Savings and Productivity Improvements
- Inventory Reduction
- Scrap and Rework Reduction
- Labor Efficiency Improvements
- Safety Performance Improvements
- Continuous Improvement Event Participation and Results
Competencies
- Strong leadership and facilitation skills
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to influence without direct authority
- Effective communication across all organizational levels
- Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Data-driven decision-making mindset
- Commitment to operational excellence and quality
Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status.
Physical Demands:
Ability to do bending, walking and sitting for an 8 hour period, and lift up to 40 lbs occasionally.
Work Environment:
- Required to enter the manufacturing environment throughout the work day; this environment may include exposure to noise, dust, fumes, vapor etc.
- The Company provides industry standard safety equipment, and specific notice is posted in areas where safety equipment is required.
Safety training is required and provided by the Company in accordance with applicable law, industry standards, and Company policy. Why join Zenix Aerospace AMT/Damar? We are committed to continuous sustainable growth through superior customer satisfaction. We are dedicated to operating in an ethical, safe, and environmentally responsible manner while providing a rewarding work environment for our employees. Our mission is supported by a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and strategic technology investments. Salary Offering: $104,000.00 to $129,000.00 annually
Shift available:
Monday - Friday Benefit Offerings
Zenix Aerospace AMT/Damar offers eligible employees (and eligible family members):
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Health Savings Account
- Supplemental Benefits
- Basic Life Insurance
- Voluntary Employee, Spouse or Child Life Insurance,
- Long-term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Shift Premiums for Weekend Shifts - work 33 hours, paid for 40 (weekend night shift) or work 36 hours, paid for 40 (weekend day shift)
- Shift Differentials - $4.00 per hour (weekday night shift), $2.00 per hour (weekend day shift), $4.00 per hour (weekend night shift)
Eligible employees are also offered 401k, PTO, 80 hours of paid holiday per calendar year, and other compensation (as applicable). Zenix Aerospace AMT/Damar is an equal opportunity employer.