Lean Technician - Accelerate Shop Floor Improvements

Dakota Bodies Llc; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dakota Bodies Llc seeks a Continuous Improvement Technician to drive Lean initiatives on the shop floor across fabrication, assembly, and paint areas. You will conduct Gemba walks, analyze data, and support Kaizen events to enhance SQDC performance.

Ideal candidates have 1–3+ years in manufacturing with strong problem solving, communication, and technical aptitude. This role emphasizes hands-on improvement and sustaining standard work on site.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; associate degree or technical training preferred.
• 1–3+ years in manufacturing, production, or industrial environment.
• Basic Lean knowledge: 5S, Kaizen, Standard Work.

Responsibilities

• Support Lean principles including 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen, and Visual Management.
• Identify waste in production processes (motion, waiting, defects, overproduction, transport, inventory, overprocessing).
• Conduct time studies, cycle time analysis, and line balancing.
• Perform daily Gemba walks and engage with operators.
• Assist in developing SOPs and visual work instructions.
• Support PFEP and material flow improvements.
• Promote safety culture and assist root cause analysis.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Kaizen

5S

Standard Work

Data Analysis

Gemba Walk

Communication

Problem Solving

Time Study

Excel

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree

Technical training

Tools

Excel

Job description

Dakota Bodies Llc seeks a Continuous Improvement Technician to drive Lean initiatives on the shop floor across fabrication, assembly, and paint areas. You will conduct Gemba walks, analyze data, and support Kaizen events to enhance SQDC performance.

Ideal candidates have 1–3+ years in manufacturing with strong problem solving, communication, and technical aptitude. This role emphasizes hands-on improvement and sustaining standard work on site.