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Lean Technician

Dakota BodiesWatertown, SD

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Overview

Schedule
Full-time
Career level
Senior-level
Remote
On-site
Benefits
Career Development
Health & Wellness Programs

Job Description

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement (CI) / Lean Technician supports manufacturing operations by driving process stability, waste reduction, and productivity improvements across fabrication, assembly, and paint processes. This role works closely with production, engineering, maintenance, and leadership teams to implement Lean manufacturing principles and strengthen safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance (SQDC).

The CI Technician serves as a hands-on change agent on the shop floor, using data, observation, and Lean tools to identify inefficiencies and support sustainable process improvements across the plant.

Key Responsibilities

Lean & Continuous Improvement Execution

  • Support implementation of Lean manufacturing principles including 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen, and Visual Management
  • Identify waste in production processes (motion, waiting, defects, overproduction, transport, inventory, overprocessing)
  • Participate in and facilitate Kaizen events and rapid improvement activities
  • Assist in developing and maintaining Lean daily management systems

Process Improvement & Analysis

  • Conduct time studies, cycle time analysis, and line balancing activities
  • Support identification of bottlenecks and assist in improving throughput
  • Analyze production data to identify trends, losses, and improvement opportunities
  • Assist in validating takt time alignment and standard work adherence

Shop Floor Support (Gemba Focus)

  • Perform daily Gemba walks to observe processes and engage with operators and supervisors
  • Collaborate with production teams to solve real-time operational issues
  • Support implementation of corrective actions and ensure sustainment of improvements

Standard Work & Documentation

  • Assist in developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Support creation of visual work instructions and process documentation
  • Help maintain PFEP (Plan for Every Part) and material flow improvements

Safety, Quality & Culture

  • Promote a strong safety culture and support safety improvement initiatives
  • Assist in root cause analysis (5 Why, Fishbone, etc.) for quality and process issues
  • Support training efforts for operators on Lean concepts and new processes
  • Help drive employee engagement in continuous improvement activities

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Engineering, Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams
  • Support new product introductions, pilot builds, and process changes
  • Assist leadership in tracking CI metrics and reporting improvement results

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FAQs About Lean Technician Jobs at Dakota Bodies

What is the work location for this position at Dakota Bodies?
This job at Dakota Bodies is located in Watertown, SD, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Dakota Bodies?
Employer has not shared pay details for this role.
What employment applies to this position at Dakota Bodies?
Dakota Bodies lists this role as a Full-time position.
What experience level is required for this role at Dakota Bodies?
Dakota Bodies is looking for a candidate with "Senior-level" experience level.
What benefits are offered by Dakota Bodies for this role?
Dakota Bodies offers following benefits: Career Development and Health & Wellness Programs for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.
What is the process to apply for this position at Dakota Bodies?
You can apply for this role at Dakota Bodies either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.