Job Description

Title/Position:  Process Engineer

Department:     Manufacturing

Status:              Salaried /Exempt

Reports to:       Technical / Quality Manager                                                                      

Job Summary:

The Process Engineer will act as both a strong individual contributor and cross functional team member as the subject matter expert in providing plant engineering support for all batch processing, packaging and compounding systems equipment and processes in a high-speed, continuous manufacturing operations environment.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible at all times for promoting a positive safety culture and awareness throughout the plant and within their area.  Support and adhere to all plant safety policies and procedures at all times.
• Responsible for optimization and troubleshooting of all systems within scope of processing, packaging and compounding activities.
• Champion implementation of detailed plans / project proposals, develop targeted action plans to meet business and financial targets and maintain accountability for action plans result.
• Work closely with corporate and plant functions for new line installations, improvement of existing processes and the development of process designs for expanded manufacturing capability.  Must be adaptable to both process and project management roles.
• Identify and execute a variety of process improvement activities and assist production team resources by helping with production-related issues and quality improvement initiatives.
• Effectively interact with hourly, management and corporate personnel to develop strong and effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Manage capital projects.  Complete projects as assigned within defined scope, allocated costs, time commitments and expected outcome.
• Provide plant leadership for manufacturing and distribution in all technical, maintenance and administrative aspects related to processing, packaging and compounding, etc.
• Lead cross-functional teams, addressing technical challenges to achieve critical objectives.
• Understand business needs, risks and organizational dynamics as well as their implications based on developing alternate plans and choices.
• Identify and support cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Develop and coordinate all technical training requirements for operations and maintenance personnel as related to manufacturing processing.

Promote active leadership in the implementation of plant-wide lean manufacturing efforts and integrate lean

• manufacturing disciplines in maintenance and engineering department.
• Proficiency in IQ, OQ and PQ for equipment and processes.
• Understanding of technology transfer and scale up from pilot to full-scale production.
• Support and recommend continuous improvement initiatives utilizing lean manufacturing tools and techniques.
• Promote fair and consistent adherence to all local and corporate policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills – ability to build positive relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent communication skills – ability to communicate clearly and concisely in multiple media – verbal, written, etc.
• Excellent organizational/time management skills.
• Ability to frame up, prioritize and execute process improvements according to value, cost and risk with limited supervision.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of employees to plan, organize and complete multiple projects from inception to startup.
• Comfortable functioning in a variety of roles ranging from plant floor troubleshooting and problem solving to leading long term process improvement projects.
• Demonstrated ability to execute, manage and/or develop projects effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute against production plans to meet output requirements.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments in a fast-paced, dynamic, production driven work environment.
• Solid critical thinking skills and ability to create new, innovative ways to handle situations with a strong bias towards Continuous Improvement fundamentals.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles including Six Sigma, 5S, etc.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office Suite, MS Project, CMMS and SAP).  Also strong knowledge of SAP Maintenance Module and AutoCAD.
• Ability to methodically collect and analyze data and make appropriate recommendations.
• Strong knowledge of production operation, including maintenance, equipment, materials, work flow, etc.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred.
• 3 – 5 years previous liquid chemical, batch processing or production / plant engineering experience in high volume, multiple SKU, fast-paced manufacturing environment.  CPG experience preferred.
• Flexibility to work various hours and shifts as needed, especially during large projects, installations, etc.

Physical Demands

·       Good physical condition, able to lift 50 lbs. safely.