Plant Engineering Lead

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Extrusion Process Engineer provides process and technical expertise to help drive operational stability improvements and productivity in our manufacturing process. The role champions the use of data driven, structured problem-solving and monitoring methods to resolve and prevent losses in our operations and partners with process and product development to industrialize solutions across our manufacturing network.

Reports to:

Sr Engineering Lead

Span of Control:
Individual Contributor, highly involved in plant expansion as well as productivity improvements. Influence and indirectly lead the maintenance and other operations employees and/or contractors.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Live the Safety Stand, adhere to the safety responsibilities

* Ensures a safe and environmentally compliant workplace where safety is the number 1 priority

* Support safety initiatives and processes to drive to zero incidents

* Follows and enforces all company safety policies

Engineering, Operations, & Machining

* Partners cross functionally to ensure engineering projects align with plant priorities to deliver improvements in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) or similar metrics that measure losses related to quality, availability, and performance.

* Identifies and implements machine or equipment improvements, including the design, creation, and interpretation of mechanical drawings.

Operationalize product and process development

* Lead product development and process trials

* Monitor and analyze production lines to ensure statistical control of production

* Drive resolution to top production and quality losses

* Lead HAZOP analysis for process changes and new equipment introductions

* Conversion and rollout support for key process initiatives

* Conduct research and trials to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing

* Troubleshooting problems associated with manufacturing processes

* Evaluating processes and equipment to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations

* Create training and standard operating procedures to help improve operational performance

Lead Manufacturing & Productivity Initiatives

* Lead new product qualification and network optimization work

* Lead Kaizen and other Focused improvement initiatives

* Lead material substitution implementation (including raw material and packaging)

* Identify and lead product design cost optimization

* Conduct PFMEA, FMEA's to assist in problem solving or problem prevention

Enable employee knowledge retention and training

* Conduct Critical Process Variable (CPV) and Critical Process Outputs (CPO) Audits

* Deliver training to ensure necessary product and process knowledge in plant teams

* Accelerate employee learning to achieve necessary business results upon process and equipment investments

* Leverage and teach Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Focused Improvement (FI) / Quality Management (QM) problem solving methodologies and case studies

Lead development of new manufacturing capabilities

* Develop processes that can produce consistent products measured in statistical terms (Cp & CpK 1.3 or greater)

* Expand the digital manufacturing toolset through leveraging remote monitoring and upset prediction and altering, process modeling

* Partner with Divisional Controls and Automation Engineers for implementation of process automation projects

* Partner with Science & Technology (S&T) to improve current product and validate findings

* Act as the escalation point for technical / process troubleshooting

* Lead solution identification and replication for common issues across plant(s)

* Help develop solutions for chronic problems in operations

JOB REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics or related discipline

* 5+ years of technical experience in manufacturing operations (Can be 3+ years)

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

* Proven results in driving products and process improvement in manufacturing environment

* Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Manufacturing, and / or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) experience

* Past performance that demonstrates self-starting behaviors and ability to work independently as well as with a team

* Familiarity with CAM software and CAD/CAM systems, software modeling (Solid Works preferred).

* Technically orientated and knowledgeable in manufacturing systems

* Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment

* Possess Mechanical and Electrical systems knowledge

* Ability to create and drive change

* Managing and delivering results through projects and initiatives

* Must show a curiosity and continuing desire to learn

* Multilinguals English-Spanish speaking candidates are a plus

* Knowledge of CNC machining processes

* Experience with CNC‑machined parts and assemblies, with strong knowledge of GD&T and tight‑tolerance machining practices.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

* Ability to prioritize and adapt to a rapid changing environment while balancing multiple responsibilities

* Ability to build strong team…