Operational Excellence Engineer (Lean Manufacturing)

Location: Wausau, Wisconsin, United States. Full-time onsite role requiring work in both office and manufacturing environments. Regional day travel is expected, with variable overnight travel of up to 10%.

hirify.global designs and delivers architectural products and services for commercial buildings. Apogee Architectural Metals provides aluminum framing, windows, storefront, curtainwall, and entrance systems through integrated design, engineering, extrusion, finishing, fabrication, and assembly capabilities across North America.

What you will do

• Lead planning and execution of operational excellence initiatives with significant impact on efficiency, cost, quality, and performance.
• Develop AMS standards and drive continuous-improvement culture change across the organization.
• Lead large-scope initiatives across manufacturing and non-manufacturing functions using advanced problem-solving methodologies.
• Analyze operational and process data to identify inefficiencies, constraints, performance gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Research best practices, technologies, and methods; define project timelines and execute solutions with safety, quality, and cost in mind.
• Coach and mentor cross-functional teams and frontline leaders in structured problem-solving, root cause analysis, standard work, and improvement tools.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in continuous improvement or Lean manufacturing deployment.
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams is required for the senior level.
• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments, including potential exposure to confined spaces.
• Strong capability in operational data analysis, structured problem-solving, and sustainable improvement implementation.
• The position is open to Level II or Level III candidates.

Nice to have

• 7 or more years of experience in continuous improvement or Lean manufacturing deployment for the senior Level III position.
• Lean/Six Sigma deployment experience.
• Project management experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits for employees and dependents.
• Incentive plans and an employee stock purchase plan with employer match.
• 401(k) with employer contribution and match.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement, wellness and employee assistance programs, training, and career progression opportunities.