Lean Engineer I/II - Kaizen, 5S & Flow

Mortenson Construction; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 79,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and prescription drug plans

Dental plan

401k retirement plan with a generous_M

Job summary

BLUvera, Mortenson's manufacturing and fabrication arm, is seeking a Lean Engineer I or II to drive continuous improvement across a growing operation. This hands-on role will partner with project leadership and frontline teams to improve safety, eliminate waste, streamline processes, and optimize workflow.

The Lean Engineer will facilitate Kaizen events, implement 5S and standardized work, improve production flow, and help teams sustain measurable improvements as products scale.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Internship experience in construction or manufacturing.
• Prior experience on construction job sites preferred.
• Current driver's license.
• Solid understanding of continuous improvement principles.
• Excellent reliability and follow-through on commitments.
• Effective trainer and facilitator.
• Ability to influence through relationship building.
• Proactive self-starter with a growth mindset.
• Strong sense of curiosity and optimism.
• Effective listening and communication, open to feedback.
• Ability to travel up to 75%.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with project leadership and craft workforce to establish trust and buy-in for lean approaches.
• Provide regular feedback to project leadership and the group lean leader on lean approaches and cross-project sharing.
• Build relationships with diverse backgrounds and organizational levels.
• Support continuous improvement efforts onsite.
• Coordinate and facilitate improvement events with project team and experts.
• Reinforce continuous improvement principles and ensure ongoing application of tools.
• Assist forepersons in observing work and adhering to standardized work.
• Encourage crews to brainstorm and implement ongoing improvements.
• Support project team, field leaders, and trade partners in applying 5S.
• Communicate 5S standards during onboarding of new workforce and trade partners.
• Create plans and resources to achieve 5S standards.
• Support flow and work management onsite.
• Participate in flow schedule development for work phases.
• Assist superintendents and forepersons in daily planning and learning approaches.
• Promote one-piece flow for self-perform work and reduce batching.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Facilitation

Lean manufacturing

Project collaboration

Leadership

Travel up to 75%

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Engineering, or related

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

BLUvera, Mortenson's manufacturing and fabrication arm, is seeking a Lean Engineer I or II to drive continuous improvement across a growing operation. This hands-on role will partner with project leadership and frontline teams to improve safety, eliminate waste, streamline processes, and optimize workflow.

The Lean Engineer will facilitate Kaizen events, implement 5S and standardized work, improve production flow, and help teams sustain measurable improvements as products scale.