Continuous Improvement Technician

South Western Communications, Inc.; Strafford (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

American Products is seeking a Continuous Improvement Technician to drive lean initiatives on the Strafford, MO production floor. You will lead Kaizen events, conduct time studies, and analyze processes to remove bottlenecks and improve material flow and workstation layouts.

The role focuses on developing standard work, supporting root cause analysis, and promoting 5S and visual management to sustain gains. Collaboration with operators and supervisors is essential in a day shift, on-site setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing and understanding of production processes.
• Hands-on problem-solving with strong mechanical aptitude.
• Experience with Lean, Kaizen, 5S, or process improvement.
• Data collection and analysis using Excel and MS Office.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently with operators and supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.
• Conduct time studies and analyze production processes.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement practical solutions.
• Improve workstation layouts, material flow, and work methods.
• Develop and maintain work instructions and standard work.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Promote 5S, visual management, and waste reduction.
• Track results to ensure improvements are sustainable.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen

5S

Data analysis (Excel)

Communication

Collaboration

Independent work

Time studies

Education

Technical certificate / associate degree in manufacturing or engineering technology

Tools

CAD / 3D modeling

Job description

Continuous Improvement Technician American Products | Strafford, MO | Day Shift Do you enjoy solving problems, improving processes, and making a real impact on the production floor? Join our team as a Continuous Improvement Technician and help drive efficiency, quality, safety, and productivity across our manufacturing operations.

What You'll Do

• Lead and support Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects
• Conduct time studies and analyze production processes
• Identify bottlenecks and implement practical solutions
• Improve workstation layouts, material flow, and work methods
• Develop and maintain work instructions and standard work
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Promote 5S, visual management, and waste reduction initiatives
• Track results to ensure improvements are sustainable

What We’re Looking For

• Manufacturing experience and understanding of production processes
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on problem‑solving skills
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, or process improvement
• Ability to collect and analyze data using Excel and other Microsoft Office tools
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently while partnering with operators and supervisors

Bonus Points For

• Experience conducting time studies
• Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, welding, forming, or assembly
• Ability to read engineering drawings CAD or 3D modeling experience

Education & Experience

Technical certificate, associate degree in manufacturing, engineering technology, or a related field preferred, or equivalent hands‑on manufacturing experience.

Why Join American Products?

• Opportunity to lead meaningful improvement projects
• Work directly with operations leadership and production teams
• Build Lean Manufacturing and CI expertise
• Stable, growing manufacturing environment
• Competitive pay and benefits