Senior / principal process improvement engineer

About JLG, an Oshkosh company

JLG began in 1969, when our founder, John L. Grove set out to resolve growing safety concerns in the construction industry. Since then we have been committed to understanding the challenges and delivering innovative solutions to the access market. We partner with customers to provide quality equipment, training opportunities and trusted support within the access industry. We are a global company, and our products—including mobile elevating work platforms, telehandlers, utility vehicles and accessories—can be found all over the world.

The Senior / Principal Process Improvement Engineer drives measurable improvement in how we build our products. This role owns complex manufacturing and process problems end to end: finding the root cause, designing the fix, proving it works, and making it stick across multiple product lines.

You will use structured problem solving, Lean methodologies, and data analysis to eliminate waste, reduce variation, improve first-pass yield, and increase throughput. You will design new processes, re-engineer existing ones, and lead cross-functional teams through the change. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who wants to be on the floor with the process, not managing it from a distance.

This posting covers both Senior and Principal levels. Level and scope are determined by experience and demonstrated impact.

Your Impact

• Lead resolution of complex manufacturing, process, and supplier issues using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, DMAIC, 5-Why, fishbone) and cross-functional collaboration.
• Design, develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve throughput, operational efficiency, process capability, and product reliability.
• Identify, scope, and lead continuous improvement projects with clear business cases and measurable results — first-pass yield, defects per unit, cycle time, scrap, rework, customer escapes, warranty and cost.
• Analyze manufacturing and process data to find systemic issues, then implement corrective and preventive actions that hold over time.
• Apply engineering and analytical tools including Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), process capability studies, PFMEA, control plans, and root cause analysis.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma events — value stream mapping, standard work, error proofing, kaizen, 5S — and drive the results into daily operations.
• Facilitate cross-functional forums with business impact assessments, risk evaluations, and data-driven recommendations that support strategic objectives.
• Serve as a technical resource across product platforms, providing versatile support to Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Global Procurement & Supply Chain (GPSC), Sales, Contracts, Suppliers, and Operations.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers, inspectors, and analysts in structured problem solving, Lean methodologies, and process improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, continuous improvement, industrial engineering, or quality engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading improvement projects from problem definition through validated, sustained results.
• Working knowledge of structured problem-solving methodology and Lean manufacturing principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Eight (8) or more years of relevant experience (Principal level).
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering.
• Experience in discrete manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, welding, or machining operations.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools (Minitab, JMP, Excel, Power BI, or similar).
• Experience applying DOE, SPC, MSA, PFMEA, and control plans in a production setting.
• Experience mentoring engineers or leading cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality management systems.

Pay Range:

$82,900.00 - $134,300.00

The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.