Manufacturing Process Improvement Engineer Sr Thermoforming

Job Description

The primary role of the MPI Engineer III is to implement and lead standardization and continuous improvement initiatives that improve safety, service, quality, and cost. This position will focus on Thermoforming within the Manufacturing Process Improvement Team. The incumbent will provide process expertise and support to the plants and will participate on and/or lead Process Standards Teams to ensure horizontal expansion of best practices across AFNA.

• Thermoforming expert to drive thermoforming network modernization and PP capacity expansion critical to defend market position and enable growth in sustainable solutions.
• Thermoforming expert to drive speed to market capabilities that allow us to grow faster.
• Thermoforming expert to drive rigor and focus on quality needs through process, equipment optimization and quality standards required to win in the market.
• Thermoforming expert to support the Research and Development team on forming new materials for in-line and stand‑alone thermoformers focusing on safety, quality and efficiency.

• Implementation of standardization & CI initiatives
• Provide process support of key manufacturing processes across plants
• Identify and lead implementation of cost takeout opportunities through waste reduction, material substitutions and equipment modifications. These may be plant specific or across several plants
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects to achieve business objectives including participation in teams within the business and functional areas
• Manage and/or lead project teams that deliver a minimum of $500M in cost savings per year
• Assist in generating reporting tools and progress reporting for assigned business area
• Support the efforts of the divisional MPI team as necessary
• Support the efforts of Plant Engineering and Plant Departments in associated projects and teams
• Communicate the status of CI projects, including progress reports, identifying barriers and recommended solutions, integration with other projects or other CI initiatives
• Training of team members and plant personnel
• Partner in analyzing and recommending changes in technology to better position the business
• Responsible for execution of assigned CI projects and overall delivery of metric improvement and benefits for the assigned business, resulting in the achievement of strategic business objectives and goals; also responsible for identifying projects that may lead to better processes, quality & savings
• Implement various process standards such as start‑up and shut‑down, resin transitions, troubleshooting techniques, resin handling, machine standard operating conditions, QA standards
• Understand and support the CI methodology in all project and teams assigned
• Create & provide capital improvement justification for improvements in quality & cost
• Engage with plant & business unit leadership on critical projects
• Projects as assigned
• Demonstrated technical expertise in several manufacturing processes
• Able to generate and implement critical manufacturing technology standards of operation
• Able to generate and implement critical operational methods or standard work for process engineers and operators to follow
• Lead process standardization efforts for safety, service, quality and cost
• Attainment of KPI goals, cost savings, etc. as defined by plant operational efficiencies and output

• Results orientation – high
• Collaborative relationships – high
• Communication skills – written/oral – high
• Analytical skills/problem solving – high
• Business Acumen – medium
• Change and Thought Leadership – medium
• Critical thinking & Conflict resolution – medium

• 5-7 years professional experience in a manufacturing organization
• Bachelor’s degree is required, engineering or industrial technology preferred
• Training and experience in Lean methodologies, Green/Black belt or Kaizens
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve across a variety of business processes and generate new ideas
• Thorough understanding of business processes and process improvement
• Exceptional analytical, interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven ability to achieve results…