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Lean Improvement Engineer

Thales

Amsterdam
Full-time
2-5 years experience
Hybrid

Key Skills

Lean
Kanban
Andon
Kaizen
VSM
Visual Shopfloor Management
Problem solving
Continuous flow
Pull systems
Heijunka
5S
TWI
SMED
TPM
Project management
Stakeholder management

Job Description

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

About the team
Our Lean Improvement Team works at the core of the Thales Industrial transformation. We are proud to be part of the Industry Operations organization in Amsterdam.


With a team of 50+ colleagues within Thales Industry Amsterdam, we deliver high-technology systems to our customers on time without any compromise on quality. At the same time, we continuously strive to improve the satisfaction of all our customers.


The mission of our Lean Improvement Team? We focus on Lean expertise to accelerate the learning pace and the industrial transformation. As change leaders, we value role modeling, teamwork, listening and industrial expertise. We don’t like to fail, but we see failures as opportunities to improve.


About your future job

As Lean Improvement Engineer you spend much time on the shop floor working with the operational managers and their teams to deploy Lean in order to improve performance. Since every shop floor situation is different, you like complexity and spending time to solve problems in order to implement Lean in the most efficient way for the operational teams, always focusing on customer satisfaction.

 

You are connected to the Industry strategy and work either through single-point roll outs or intense Lean Projects as either individual consultant and hands-on implementer or together with your Lean Team colleagues.


Why you'd be a good match

We are looking for a team member who preferably has an (industrial related) Bachelor degree. You have experience in Lean within an industrial environment. You have a drive for moving things forward. One of your goals is to continuously develop yourself. You are willing to learn and to work in a demanding context.


You have knowledge of the (Toyota) Production System and people often pull you either as Lean Consultant or Subject Matter Expert. You speak fluent Dutch and English, you are open-minded, and you have:


  • Experience in Lean elements like Kanban, Andon, Kaizen, VSM, SIM (Visual Shopfloor Management), problem solving, continuous flow, pull systems, Heijunka, and stabilization techniques (like 5S, TWI, SMED, TPM, visual controls, and similar)
  • Knowledge of related industrial standards: Planning, Logistics, ERP
  • Experience in project management
  • Experience in leading change processes including stakeholder management
  • Flexibility in your communication (i.e. able to communicate effectively both with operators and management)
  • A positive attitude
  • A hands-on mentality, you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves
  • Have and spread fun

What's in it for you

  • A challenging job in a great team within our high-tech, innovative work environment. Includes the freedom for initiative and good ideas.
  • Room for personal and professional growth within our organization, for example in regards to technical, commercial or international skills.
  • Valuable international collaboration with coworkers from 68 different countries around the globe.
  • A comfortable work space in a modern environment with a focus on flexibility and the right work life balance.
  • A good salary, fitting travel allowance, and the ability to personalize your employment conditions: for instance, you can trade PTO for internet costs, our bicycle plan, company fitness and relocation costs.
  • 40 days off per year (PTO).


Interested?
Apply now! Click on the button below to upload your profile and show your interest.
To ensure that we are a good match, we can ask you to participate in an assessment.

Diversity Statement
We actively support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions. That means that equal opportunities, inclusion and an informal culture are integral to our success. It also means that your well-being and happiness matter to us! That’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, remote working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times.

Security Requirements

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in The Netherlands and employment and/or education history. Some vacancies may require a security clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please refer to the General Intelligence and Security Service.



Core Responsibilities

The Lean Improvement Engineer works on the shop floor to deploy Lean methodologies and improve operational performance. They lead change processes and manage projects to accelerate industrial transformation while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Candidates should have a Bachelor degree in an industrial-related field and proven experience with Lean principles in an industrial environment. Strong communication skills in both Dutch and English are required to effectively engage with both operators and management.

Benefits

  • 40 days off per year
  • Travel allowance
  • Bicycle plan
  • Company fitness
  • Relocation costs
  • Flexible working hours
  • Remote working options
  • Personalized employment conditions

About Thales

Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing

Company size: 10,001+ employees

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion. The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

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