Process Improvement Technician
Standard Iron & Wire Works · Sauk Centre, MN
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Lean / CI
- Experience asked
- 90+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level continuous improvement role at Standard Iron & Wire Works (industrial) in Sauk Centre, MN.
- They ask for
- 90+ years
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, Robotics, Welding
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Manufacturing Technician roles in the US: typical posted base $60k–$95k.
Median of the low and high ends of 54 live postings that list pay, out of 963 manufacturing technician openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Minnesota plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 37 other live lean / ci postings in the US.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (90+ vs 4+)
Typical $80k–$114k, from 6 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 4+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Lean 76%
- ✓ Team leadership 61%
- ✓ 5S 42%
- Value stream mapping 37%
- Tooling 24%
- ✓ Kaizen 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Robotics, Welding, New product launch, 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 Standard Iron & Wire Works
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?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- 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 Standard Iron & Wire WorksAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Summary of Duties
- ◆Observe production processes and collect performance data on the plant floor.
- ◆Conduct time studies, workflow reviews, and basic process audits.
- ◆Identify opportunities to improve safety, productivity, quality, and ergonomics.
- ◆Support Lean initiatives including 5S, standard work, visual controls, and waste reduction.
- ◆Assist with implementing and sustaining approved process improvements.
- ◆Help create, update, and maintain standard work instructions and job aids.
- ◆Participate in Kaizen events and cross-functional improvement activities.
- ◆Track and communicate basic performance metrics such as scrap, downtime, and cycle time.
- ◆Perform duties on shop floor as assigned when no projects are tasked.
- ◆Follow all safety rules and actively promote safe work practices.
- ◆Travel may be required to support other facilities.
Required Qualifications
- ✓High school diploma or GED
- ✓1–3 years of experience in manufacturing, production, or a technical support role
- ✓Ability to work hands-on alongside hourly production employees.
- ✓Basic math, measurement, and data-recording skills.
- ✓Ability to use basic computer tools (data entry, spreadsheets).
- ✓AWS D1.1 knowledge
- ✓Welding Knowledge
- ✓ABB and Fanuc knowledge
Preferred Qualifications
- ✓Experience with Lean manufacturing concepts (5S, standard work, waste reduction).
- ✓Previous participation in process improvement or Kaizen activities.
- ✓Mechanical aptitude.
- ✓Lean or Six Sigma Yellow Belt (or willingness to obtain).
Physical and Work
Requirements
- ✓Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb throughout the shift.
- ✓Ability to lift up to 60 pounds occasionally.
- ✓Regular presence in a manufacturing environment.
- ✓Overtime may be required and is paid per company policy.
qualifications
in our manufacturing operations.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Join Our Team as a Process Improvement Technician at Standard Iron!
Are you ready to start a career with a company that’s been setting the standard in contract manufacturing for over 90 years? Standard Iron is looking for candidates who share our core values of Safety, Respect, Pride in Work, and Continuous Improvement. If you’re reliable, hardworking, and eager to learn, we want you to be a part of our team! The Process Improvement Technician is an hourly, hands-on role responsible for supporting continuous improvement initiatives on the production floor. This position works closely with operators, maintenance, and leadership to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost through practical, data-driven process improvements. A Safety-First mindset and strong collaboration with hourly employees are essential for success in this role.
Why Standard Iron?
- •Outstanding Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus a 401(k) with employer match.
- •Profit Sharing & More: Take advantage of quarterly profit-sharing, short-term disability, PTO, and paid holidays.
Available Shift
- •1st Shift: Monday – Thursday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm
Key Competencies
- •Safety First mindset – consistently prioritizes safety and proactively identifies hazards.
- •Continuous improvement mindset.
- •Strong attention to detail.
- •Practical problem-solving skills.
- •Team-oriented, respectful communication.
- •Dependability and accountability.
- •Willingness to learn and adapt.
- •Ability to execute work effectively based on projects and priorities set by Production Supervisor.
Additional Information
- •This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime.
- •This role does not include disciplinary authority.
- •Performance is measured by safety adherence, process improvements, and teamwork.
For a faster experience, please fill out this form when applying
https://surveys.cultureindex.com/s/3B30D30000/12398
Apply Today!
If you’re ready to launch your career with a company that values dedication and growth, apply now to join Standard Iron’s team. Start your journey with us and become part of a legacy of excellence.