ABOUT THE ROLEBright Machines is seeking a Senior Lean Manufacturing Engineer / Continuous Improvement Engineer to lead operational excellence initiatives at our Florence, Kentucky facility. Our Florence facility is at the forefront of next-generation manufacturing-using automated production lines, advanced robotics, and intelligent software to build server and data center hardware at scale. We are creating smarter, faster, and more resilient production systems to meet the rapidly growing demands of the AI and cloud infrastructure market.
This role will focus on optimizing automated assembly lines producing high-volume server and compute infrastructure products. You will lead continuous improvement efforts across manufacturing operations-driving higher throughput, improving line efficiency, reducing waste, and enabling scalable, repeatable manufacturing performance.
This is a highly visible, hands-on role requiring strong floor presence, technical problem-solving, and collaboration across manufacturing, automation, quality, process engineering, supply chain, and leadership teams.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING- Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across automated server assembly lines
- Improve key manufacturing metrics including throughput, cycle time, first-pass yield, uptime, and OEE
- Identify and eliminate bottlenecks in high-volume production environments
- Drive implementation of Lean tools including Kaizen, 5S, Standard Work, Value Stream Mapping, SMED, and visual management
- Optimize line balancing, workstation flow, labor utilization, and material movement across production
- Partner with automation and manufacturing engineering teams to improve equipment performance and line reliability
- Conduct root cause investigations using 8D, A3, Fishbone, PFMEA, and 5 Whys
- Develop and track operational KPIs to sustain measurable improvements
- Support ramp activities for new server programs and line expansions
- Train and mentor manufacturing teams on Lean principles and continuous improvement culture
WHAT YOU WILL BRING- Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 7+ years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or Manufacturing Engineering
- Experience supporting high-volume automated production lines
- Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing systems and operational excellence tools
- Proven success improving throughput and efficiency in fast-paced manufacturing environments
- Experience in electronics assembly, server manufacturing, data center hardware, or complex electromechanical systems strongly preferred
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset
- Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving, production-first environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or equivalent certification)
- Experience in electronics, robotics, automation, or data center hardware manufacturing
- Experience launching or scaling new production lines
- Familiarity with MES, ERP, and manufacturing analytics systems
- Experience in highly automated or Industry 4.0 environments
