Lean Manufacturing Engineer

IEM Canada, (Industrial Electric Mfg. Canada, Inc.) in Surrey, BC is the largest independent full-line manufacturer of custom electrical distribution and power quality equipment in North America. This position offers an opportunity with a very employee-oriented company with competitive compensation and good benefits.

What We Offer:

• Flexible Schedules
• Extended health benefits
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Life Insurance
• Eligibility towards Group Retirement Savings Plan contributions
• Employee Appreciation Events

The Lean Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting Lean manufacturing initiatives within the manufacturing environment including production, materials, warehouse and testing functions . Reporting to and working closely with the Operations Manager for Integrated Products, this role involves driving continuous improvement projects/processes utilizing Lean Manufacturing techniques and tools within the manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has strong problem solving abilities, and is experienced in leading standard work kaizen events, and can apply single piece flow manufacturing philosophies into a mid to high volume production line.

Key Responsibilities

• Kaizen Event Leadership: Plan, coordinate, and facilitate Kaizen events to drive rapid improvements in productivity, quality, and process efficiency.
• Value Stream Mapping & Process Optimization: Conduct Value Stream Mapping (VSM) sessions to analyze current production processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop optimized future-state workflows.
• Waste Reduction & Efficiency Improvements: Identify and eliminate non-value-added activities using 5S, Standard Work, Poka-Yoke (mistake-proofing), and other lean tools.
• Production Line Optimization: Support the design, modification, and improvement of production lines to ensure maximum efficiency, ergonomic benefits, and material flow enhancements.
• Data-Driven Continuous Improvement: Utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), and root cause analysis to identify opportunities for sustained improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with production, quality, engineering, warehouse and supply chain teams to integrate lean principles into daily operations.
• Technology & Automation Integration: Research and implement digital lean tools, automation technologies, and real-time data tracking solutions to enhance process visibility and decision-making.
• Standardization & Training: Develop and enforce standardized work, visual management systems, and lean training programs to empower employees at all levels.
• Warehouse-to-Production Material Flow: Ensure timely and accurate delivery of raw materials, components, and subassemblies from the warehouse to production lines to prevent downtime.
• Lean Inventory & Material Handling: Implement Kanban, Just-in-Time (JIT), PFEP and FIFO systems to optimize inventory levels while reducing waste and excess stock.
• Production Line Staging & Kitting: Oversee material staging, kitting, and replenishment to support production schedules with minimal disruption.
• Warehouse Coordination & Logistics: Work with warehouse teams to optimize storage layouts, material movement, and real-time tracking systems (RFID, barcode scanning).
• Material Flow Optimization: Analyze and improve material handling processes, reducing waste, improving efficiency, and ensuring smooth warehouse-to-production transitions.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure proper handling, storage, and movement of materials comply with safety regulations and ergonomic best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a lean manufacturing/continuous improvement role within an electrical manufacturing environment
• Proven expertise in facilitating Kaizen events, leading transformation projects, and implementing lean strategies.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles (5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, JIT, TPM, SMED).
• Strong knowledge/experience in warehouse-to-production material planning, inventory management, or supply chain operations in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in data analysis, process simulation tools, and industrial automation to support lean initiatives.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and other industry standards.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, and leadership skills to drive change effectively.
• Excellent communication and training abilities to engage and develop employees at all levels.