Lean Manufacturing Specialist - Continuous Improvement
Group: Aerospace Group N. America
Division: Hydraulic Systems Division (HSD)
Location : USA KALAMAZOO MI - ABEX (NEW H
Job Family : Manufacturing and Production
Job Type : Regular
Posted : Sep 16, 2026
Job ID : 68583
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Job Description
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At Parker Aerospace, we develop technologies and innovative solutions that enable reliable, efficient and increasingly sustainable flight for the lifecycle of the aircraft, including aftermarket support. Our passionate people with deep engineering expertise, together with our breadth of differentiated technologies, ensure that we make the extraordinary happen and continue to shape the future of aviation in partnership with our customers.
As a member of our team, you are instrumental in fulfilling our mission: 'Enabling Engineering Breakthroughs that Lead to a Better Tomorrow.' Pursuing a career at Parker presents unlimited opportunities for both professional and personal development. Working with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, your contributions will be pivotal in developing innovative technologies and products, significantly contributing to Parker's goal of addressing the world's most pressing engineering challenges. At Parker, our team members belong, matter and make a difference.
Position Summary
The Lean Practitioner II is an experienced continuous improvement professional responsible for independently leading site-level and multi-value-stream improvement initiatives that support Parker Lean System deployment and Lean transformation. This role applies advanced Lean knowledge, structured problem solving, data analysis, and change leadership to reduce waste, improve flow, increase productivity, and enhance safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory performance.
The Lean Practitioner II leads kaizen events, manages continuous improvement projects, coaches teams, mentors less-experienced Lean practitioners, and partners with site leadership to support strategy deployment and daily improvement systems. The role exercises independent judgment in evaluating business needs, selecting improvement methods, prioritizing project work, influencing stakeholders, and validating improvement results.This position requires regular onsite attendance.
Scope/ Supervision and Interaction:
This position reports to the Division Lean Manager and does not have direct reports.
The role interacts with all functions within the location, including Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, Quality, EHS, Human Resources, and site leadership.
The dimensions of this role typically include a single manufacturing site, multiple value streams within a manufacturing site, or support for selected improvement initiatives across more than one site.
This role may provide functional guidance to project teams and may mentor Lean Practitioner I employees or other less-experienced team members.
Key Responsibilities
Parker Lean System Deployment, Ownership and Governance
Lead and support adherence to Parker Lean System methodologies, standards, and principles within assigned value streams, departments, or sites.
Drive development, documentation, and deployment of PLS fundamentals, including standard work, 5S/6S, visual management, tiered daily management, leader standard work, and daily accountability processes.
Partner with site leadership to support strategy deployment activities, including data analysis, prioritization input, goal alignment, project portfolio tracking, kaizen chartering, and preparation.
Standardize and scale best practices across value streams, departments, or assigned sites.
Lead sustainment checks, countermeasure follow-up, and escalation of barriers to ensure continuous improvement gains are maintained.
Event and Project Execution
Lead kaizen events and structured improvement workshops from planning through execution, report-out, and sustainment.
Determine appropriate baseline data, analysis methods, Lean tools, and project approaches based on business needs and process conditions.
Apply advanced Lean tools and methods, including value stream mapping, standard work, SMED, 5S/6S, flow/pull, visual management, kanban, TPM concepts, error proofing, and daily management.
Lead value stream, site-level, or selected multisite continuous improvement projects of moderate to high complexity.
Manage project timelines, stakeholders, risks, action plans, resource needs, and benefits validation.
Ensure improvement projects are aligned with site strategy, business priorities, and SQDCI performance objectives.
Problem Solving and Analytics
Coach team members in the use of structured problem-solving tools, including 5-Why, 10-step problem solving, PDCA, A3, root cause analysis, and DMAIC concepts.
Analyze continuous improvement data, including cycle time, changeover time, WIP, first-pass yield, downtime, throughput, quality defects, productivity, and financial impact.
Evaluate data accuracy and determine appropriate conclusions, root causes, and countermeasures.
Establish and maintain continuous improvement dashboards, project trackers, and performance metrics.
Validate project benefits in partnership with Operations, Finance, and other stakeholders.
Ensure control plans, sustainment plans, standard work updates, and visual controls are deployed and followed.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Participate in, support, and coach High Performance Teams within assigned areas.
Build effective working relationships with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and other functional teams to implement process improvements.
Provide direct Lean guidance and leadership to project teams to ensure appropriate use of PLS tools and practices.
Influence frontline employees, supervisors, managers, and site leaders to support continuous improvement priorities.
Mentor less-experienced Lean practitioners and functional team members.
Interact with suppliers or customers on CI-related activities when assigned and under appropriate business guidance.
Communication and Change Leadership
Provide clear and timely updates on project status, risks, results, barriers, and support needs.
Lead report-outs, project reviews, kaizen readouts, and performance improvement discussions.
Facilitate training and coaching on PLS fundamentals for operators, team leaders, supervisors, and functional team members.
Support change management by helping teams understand, adopt, and sustain improved processes.
Promote a culture of daily improvement, employee engagement, and disciplined execution.
Requirements:
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degreein Business, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related fieldrequired.
Minimum of 2+ years of progressive experience in operations, manufacturing, continuous
improvement, Lean, quality, supply chain, engineering, or a related environment.
Experience leading or supporting kaizen events, improvement projects, Lean deployment activities, or cross-functional process improvement initiatives required.
Experience mentoring others, coaching teams, or providing functional project leadership preferred.
Knowledge and Skills
Demonstrated knowledge of PLS and Lean enterprise methods across multiple value streams or functional areas.
Proven ability to lead kaizen events and teach Lean tools to others.
Strong problem-solving capability with diversified scope, including A3, root cause analysis, PDCA, and practical implementation of countermeasures.
Experience with daily management, leader standard work, value stream mapping, standard work, SMED, TPM concepts, 5S/6S, kanban/pull systems, visual management, and error proofing.
Ability to manage CI project portfolios linked to strategy deployment and SQDCI performance.
Proficiency in establishing, analyzing, and tracking KPIs.
Effective communicator and influencer across shop-floor, supervisory, managerial, and leadership levels.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and basic data analysis tools.
Familiarity with ERP, MES, business intelligence tools, or production reporting systems preferred.
Other
Leads larger-scope projects and project teams; may act as a High Performance Team lead or mentor to less-experienced staff.
Occasional interaction with suppliers and customers on CI-related initiatives may be required.
Intermittent travel may be required, typically 10-15%, depending on business and site needs.
This role is classified as exempt based on the professional nature of the work, independent project leadership, specialized Lean knowledge, analytical responsibilities, and regular exercise of discretion and independent judgment.
We offer a comprehensive and competitive total compensation package.
Come join the Parker Aerospace Team! We are proud to offer competitive compensation, including participation in annual incentive programs, and benefits designed with health, wealth, and well-being in mind.Our competitive package includes:
Benefit & Retirement Plans
Parker offers competitive benefit programs, including:
Comprehensive coverage for medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, voluntary optional life, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and critical illness insurance with competitive premium cost.
401(k) Plan with company matching contributions at 100% of the first 5% of pay
Company provided defined-contribution retirement plan with annual contribution equal to 3% of pay
Career development and tuition reimbursement
Other benefits including paid parental leave, short and long-term disability programs, adoption assistance, a Care.com membership and financial planning assistance are provided at no cost to you.
Supplemental benefit programs including identity protection, legal protection, and pet wellness are available at competitive rates.
Paid Time Off and up to 15 Company-Paid Holidays.
Parker Purpose Opportunities (Social Responsibility):
Business Resource Groups promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Engagement activities celebrated throughout the year. Examples include Internal Career Day, FYE Celebration, anniversary recognition events, employee appreciation week, veteran appreciation, and more!
The Parker Foundation provides access to donation matching, disaster relief, charitable organization funding, and paid volunteer hours.
Additional Benefits:
Employee discounts on various services (car purchases, computer purchases, life adventures, etc.).
Employee Referral program - Refer a family member or friend and receive a generous award for referrals that are hired (up to $4,000).
Dress for Your Day policy, offering flexible work attire options.
A free, on-site, 24-hour Fitness Center available to all active Team Members.
Grab a bite to eat at the on-site cafeteria that provides a wide array of breakfast, lunch, and snacks. We also have vending machines available during scheduled breaks and lunch periods.
Drug-Free Workplace
In accordance with Parker's policies and applicable state laws, Parker provides for a drug-free workplace. Therefore, all applicants seeking employment with Parker will be subject to drug testing as a condition of employment.
Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.
This position may be subject to meeting U.S. export compliance and/or U.S Government contracting citizenship eligibility requirements .
Parker is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Parker is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job related reasons regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. However, U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency or other appropriate status is required for certain positions, in accord with U.S. import & export regulations.
("Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / VEVRAA Federal Contractor")
If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants)
