Job Title:  Lean Manufacturing Industrial Engineer

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. At our Navitar segment, we design and manufacture high-performance optical imaging and photonics solutions used in life sciences, semiconductor, industrial inspection, and advanced research applications.

 As a Lean Manufacturing / Industrial Engineer in our Rochester, NY facility, you will be responsible for improving productivity, reducing waste, increasing throughput, and enhancing manufacturing performance through the application of Lean Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, and Continuous Improvement principles. The ideal candidate will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to optimize workflows, improve capacity utilization, and support scalable growth across a high-mix, low-volume precision manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean transformation initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping workshops, and continuous improvement projects.
• Identify and eliminate waste in manufacturing, material flow, administrative processes, and supply chain operations.
• Develop and implement standardized work and visual management systems.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through employee engagement and coaching.

Process Optimization

• Analyze manufacturing processes to improve throughput, cycle time, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Conduct time studies, work measurements, and labor utilization analyses.
• Develop and maintain process maps, workflow documentation, and capacity models.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Evaluate and improve manufacturing layouts to support efficient material and product flow.

Capacity Planning & Operational Performance

• Support annual operating plans by developing labor, equipment, and capacity requirements.
• Establish productivity metrics and operational KPIs.
• Analyze performance trends and provide recommendations to improve efficiency and resource utilization.
• Partner with Operations leadership to support production planning and growth initiatives.

Manufacturing Engineering Support

• Partner with Engineering on new product introductions and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives.
• Assist with implementation of new equipment, tooling, fixtures, and automation solutions.
• Evaluate manufacturing methods and recommend improvements that increase throughput and reduce cost.
• Updating SOP’s.

Data Analysis & Problem Solving

• Utilize data-driven methodologies to identify improvement opportunities and measure results.
• Lead root cause investigations using structured problem-solving tools.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Industrial Engineering techniques to improve process capability and consistency.
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools that provide visibility to operational performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to drive strategic initiatives.
• Present project updates and performance improvements to leadership.
• Mentor supervisors and team members on Lean principles and problem-solving methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3-7+ years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Continuous Improvement.
• Experience in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of:
• Lean Manufacturing principles
• Value Stream Mapping
• Standardized Work
• 5S and Visual Management
• Capacity Planning
• Time Studies and Labor Analysis
• Root Cause Analysis
• Statistical Analysis and Process Improvement
• Proficiency with Excel and data analysis tools.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in optical, photonics, precision manufacturing, or electromechanical assembly environments.
• Lean Certification (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or equivalent).
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with ERP and MES systems.
• Experience supporting automation or digital manufacturing initiatives.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.

• Successfully complete multiple Kaizen and cost reduction projects.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.

Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.