Pivoting from Process Improvement Lead to Engineering – Seeking Career Advice

Hello,

I recently secured a role as a Process Improvement Lead within manufacturing, where I focus on identifying inefficiencies, applying lean methodologies, and implementing solutions to improve performance. While I’m excited about this role, my long-term ambition is to pivot into a more technical engineering position (e.g., process, design, or manufacturing engineering).

I’d like to ask for advice on:

  • What skills and qualifications are most valuable when making this transition?

  • How can I leverage my current process improvement experience to position myself as a strong candidate for engineering roles?

  • Are there recommended professional development paths, training, or projects I should pursue to build credibility in engineering?

  • Has anyone here successfully made a similar pivot, and if so, what worked best for you?

Any guidance or resources would be greatly appreciated.