Process Improvement Engineer
Minnkotawindows · West Fargo, ND
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Lean / CI
- Base pay
- $65k–$80k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Certification
- Black Belt preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level continuous improvement role at Minnkotawindows (industrial) in West Fargo, ND.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required · Black Belt preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Kaizen, 5S, Value stream mapping, Root cause, DOE
- Base pay
- $65k–$80k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Continuous Improvement roles in the US: typical posted base $105k–$151k. This one lists $65k–$80k.
Median of the low and high ends of 126 live postings that list pay, out of 314 continuous improvement openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
North Dakota plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 313 other live lean / ci postings in the US.
- Base pay
- About 41% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $102k–$145k, from 113 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Lean 85%
- Six Sigma 55%
- ✓ Kaizen 53%
- ✓ Value stream mapping 51%
- ✓ Root cause 46%
- ✓ 5S 33%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for DOE, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Lean / CI team at Minnkotawindows
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is CI run from the plant floor or from a corporate OpEx group?
- Which metrics does leadership actually watch: OEE, scrap, cost per unit?
- The posting mentions a Black Belt. Does the company sponsor certification?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from MinnkotawindowsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
The Process Improvement Engineer leads and supports continuous improvement initiatives across Minnkota Windows by applying Lean Manufacturing principles, tools, and best practices. This role partners with employees, supervisors, and leadership to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.
The Process Improvement Engineer serves as a hands‑on coach, facilitator, and change agent who works closely with teams across the organization to eliminate waste, improve workflow, optimize processes, and build a culture of continuous improvement. This position requires extensive manufacturing experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work independently while engaging employees at all levels of the organization.
Education and work experience
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field required.
Minimum of 5 years of experience implementing Lean Manufacturing principles in a manufacturing environment required.
Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement initiatives with measurable business results.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Process Improvement Engineer (Not a Remote Position)
Job Category : Production Management
Requisition Number : PROCE003093
- •Posted: July 21, 2026
- •Full-Time
Locations
Showing 1 location
ND-Fargo-MW
Minnkota Windows
2324 Main Ave W
West Fargo, ND 58078, USA
POSITION: Process Improvement Engineer
SHIFT: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
PAY RATE: $65,000 - $80,000+ per hour (DOE) + Full Benefit Package
LOCATION: Minnkota Windows West Fargo, ND
Essential job functions
- •Lead continuous improvement initiatives that support operational excellence and business objectives.
- •Identify and eliminate waste throughout manufacturing processes using Lean Manufacturing principles.
- •Facilitate Kaizen events, improvement workshops, and problem‑solving activities.
- •Analyze production processes and develop solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and flow.
- •Drive sustainable improvements through standardization, documentation, and follow‑up activities.
- •Support development and execution of the company's continuous improvement roadmap.
Process Improvement & Manufacturing Optimization
- •Evaluate manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
- •Perform process mapping, value stream mapping, workflow analysis, and capacity assessments.
- •Develop and implement process improvements that reduce lead times, increase throughput, and improve operational performance.
- •Establish standard work and visual management systems to support consistency and efficiency.
- •Monitor performance metrics and recommend corrective actions when targets are not achieved.
- •Utilize data analysis and problem‑solving methodologies to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
Employee Training & Development
- •Train employees, supervisors, and managers on Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- •Develop and deliver training programs covering topics such as:
- •5S
- •Standard Work
- •Visual Management
- •Problem Solving
- •Value Stream Mapping
- •Coach teams on the practical application of lean tools and techniques.
- •Foster employee engagement and ownership of continuous improvement activities.
- •Mentor leaders and team members in effective problem‑solving practices.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- •Work closely with Production, Engineering, Supply Chain, Customer Success, Quality, and Maintenance teams to identify improvement opportunities.
- •Build strong working relationships throughout the organization by actively listening to employees and understanding operational challenges.
- •Facilitate collaboration between departments to improve communication, workflow, and problem resolution.
- •Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on lean implementation strategies and improvement priorities.
- •Support new product introductions, equipment implementations, and process changes through lean principles.
- •Independently manage multiple improvement projects from concept through implementation.
- •Develop project plans, timelines, resource requirements, and success measures.
- •Track project performance and communicate progress to leadership.
- •Ensure improvement initiatives achieve measurable and sustainable results.
- •Lead change management efforts to support adoption of new processes and practices.
Safety & Quality
- •Promote and support a culture of safety throughout all improvement activities.
- •Ensure improvement initiatives maintain or improve product quality standards.
- •Support compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- •Incorporate safety and quality considerations into all process improvement recommendations.
Other
- •Embrace and demonstrate the qualities of the Minnkota Windows Game Changer definition.
- •Prompt and dependable attendance.
- •Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, skills, and qualities
- •Extensive knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies.
- •Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and production environments.
- •Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and direction.
- •Excellent facilitation, coaching, and training skills.
- •Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build credibility and influence at all levels.
- •Demonstrated ability to actively listen to employees and understand operational challenges.
- •Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
- •Ability to collect, interpret, and present operational data.
- •Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- •Strong project management and organizational abilities.
- •High level of initiative, accountability, and adaptability.
- •Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing data systems.