Kaizen Technician

As a Kaizen Technician, you will hold a vital role in the Kings Mountain Operations (KMO) facility. In this role, you will directly contribute to advancing our culture of Continuous Improvement by designing, fabricating, and assembling custom carts, flow racks, and workstation structures that improve safety, quality, and production flow. You will partner closely with multiple departments—such as Manufacturing, Maintenance, and Engineering—to bring innovative ideas to life on the production floor. Through hands-on fabrication and problem-solving, you will help create efficient, ergonomic, and sustainable solutions that support KMO’s goal of becoming a World Class Manufacturing site.

Duties/Responsibilities:
•    Assemble carts, flow racks, workstations, and other structures to support Kaizen and World Class Manufacturing (WCM) projects.
•    Fabricate and repair metal structures using welding, cutting, and basic machining techniques.
•    Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify and implement improvements that reduce waste and increase efficiency.
•    Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental standards.
•    Participate in brainstorming and improvement events to support 5S, ergonomics, and process optimization.
•    Document work performed and provide feedback for design and functionality improvements.
•    Support special projects and prototype builds as requested by leadership.
•    Design, measure, and build basic fixtures, jigs, and assembly aids using hand and power tools, basic machining, welding, and 3D printing equipment when available.
•    Actively participate in, and occasionally lead, point Kaizen events focused on cycle time reduction, ergonomics, quality, and changeover (SMED).
•    Develop and maintain visual management tools including shadow boards, labels, floor markings, checklists, and Andon boards; sustain improvements through regular audits.
•    Separate internal and external steps, create pre-set carts and fixtures, and conduct production trials to validate improvements.
•    Identify potential hazards and ergonomic risks; fabricate and install guards, error-proofing (poka-yoke) devices, and ergonomic assists in alignment with EHS guidelines.
•    Assist in developing preventive maintenance and inspection routines for fixtures and jigs; document results and escalate any performance or safety concerns.
•    Work closely with production operators, maintenance, toolroom, and engineering teams to implement and train employees on new tools, fixtures, and improved methods.
•    Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area at all times, adhering to lockout/tagout, PPE, and quality assurance procedures.

Minimum Qualifications
•    High school diploma or GED required.
•    0–3 years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment such as assembly, fabrication, machining, maintenance, or continuous improvement.
•    Proficient in the use of basic hand and power tools including tape measures, calipers, drills, taps, grinders, saws, and various fasteners.
•    Ability to read and interpret blueprints, sketches, and technical drawings.
•    Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing fundamentals, including 5S, waste identification, standard work, and Kaizen events, with a willingness to learn and apply daily.
•    Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of industrial materials and fabrication techniques.
•    Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and document simple work instructions with photos and checklists.
•    Basic computer proficiency, including email, spreadsheets, and digital photo documentation.
•    Excellent teamwork skills and commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Technical or vocational training in manufacturing, machining, welding, mechatronics, or a related field.
•    Previous experience supporting Continuous Improvement or World Class Manufacturing (WCM) initiatives.
•    Exposure to welding, cutting, and basic machining processes.
•    Exposure to basic CAD or 3D printing for fixture or layout design.
•    Understanding of ergonomic design and error-proofing (poka-yoke) principles.
•    Experience creating visual management tools such as labels, shadow boards, or standardized work visuals.
•    Knowledge of fixture or jig design and basic maintenance routines.’

Work Environment/Conditions:
•    Work is performed primarily on the Plant floor in a manufacturing facility.
•    Regular exposure to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, and occasional exposure to fumes, dust, or extreme temperatures.
•    Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing, and reaching.
•    Repetitive hand and arm movements using tools.
•    Regularly required to lift and carry components weighing up to 50 lbs.; team lift or equipment used for heavier items.
•    Schedule may include early morning, evening, or weekend shifts based on production needs. Overtime may be required during high volume periods.
•    May be designated as essential personnel during plant operational disruptions, planned shutdowns, or emergencies.