Lean Manufacturing Process Technologist

About the role

Picture a typical day at 4010 Iowa St, Alexandria, MN. You start on the production floor, review visual performance metrics you helped design, then huddle with cross‑functional teams to plan a Kaizen blitz. Before lunch, you deep‑dive a defect trend, run a quick root cause session, and draft a corrective action. In the afternoon, you refine standard work for a new assembly step, adjust an ERP workflow, and coach teammates on Lean and Six Sigma tools. That’s the rhythm of our Lean Manufacturing Process Technologist.

What you'll do

• Own and drive a focused continuous improvement program to cut cost, elevate quality, and streamline throughput.
• Facilitate CI teams; document charters, progress, ROIs, and stakeholder involvement.
• Partner with production to identify safer, more efficient, higher‑quality methods.
• Deliver daily production support to keep lines moving and stable.
• Advance Lean production and systems across the Valve Division, including ERP process improvements and documentation.
• Lead failure analysis and root cause investigations; implement robust corrective actions.
• Build and govern quality processes; analyze quality data and trends to prevent recurrence.
• Design data collection for KPIs and present results using visual management techniques.
• Develop and document efficient manufacturing and assembly processes; create standard work.
• Train teams in Lean methods and Six Sigma practices.
• Support the site safety program and participate in periodic Kaizen events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or equivalent blend of education and experience.
• 2 years applying Lean principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Patience and desire to support diverse personalities in a production setting.
• Comfort juggling multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Self‑directed with strong prioritization and deadline management skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Team‑oriented mindset.

Work Environment (verbatim policy)

**Work Environment: **

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Job hazards are typical of an office and or shop environment.
• There are periodic high noise levels and vibration associated with this job. Sources include: engine noise, air compressors, air powered equipment, and other shop noises. Also there is possibly sufficient noise, either constant or intermittent to cause possible hearing loss.
• There are a variety of physical hazards in which there is danger to life, health, or bodily injury, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving equipment, heavy parts, electrical shock, compressed air and exposure to chemicals.
• Machines, tools, equipment, and work aids which may be representative, but not all inclusive, of those commonly associated with this type of work.
• Air power tools, electric drill, drill press, grinders (both hand and bench), wrenches, torches, welders, a variety of hand tools, mills, and electric cords.

Physical Requirements (verbatim policy)

**Physical Requirements: **

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by and employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to exert up to 70 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 50 lbs. of force on a regular basis through the day, depending on work related circumstances.

• Must be able to lift objects from floor to above shoulder level. Must be able to move objects/parts/tools and equipment from one area to another and one level to another level.

• This position includes the following physical demands:- Reaching – extending and pulling the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction while working with various tools as mentioned before.

  • Handling - seizing, holding, grasping, turning, pulling, or otherwise working with hands and arms.
  • Pulling – using arms in such a way as pulling of tools, wrenches, parts, and equipment to complete the job.
  • Fingering – picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers primarily (rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling).
  • Feeling – being able to determine objects such as size, shape, temperature or texture by means of receptors in skin, particularly those of finger tips.

Location

4010 Iowa St, Alexandria, MN 56308

You should be proficient in

• Bachelor's Degree
• Continuous Improvement