Advanced Manufacturing – Process Engineering Leader

AJM Packaging Corporation

Southgate, MI

We are seeking a highly experienced Advanced Manufacturing Process Engineering Leader to lead the development, benchmarking, conversion and optimization of manufacturing processes for table top products (paper plates, cups, bowls) . This role will serve as a key technical leader focused on improving performance, operational efficiency, automation strategy, and manufacturing excellence across multiple locations.

The ideal candidate combines deep hands‑on manufacturing knowledge with a forward‑thinking mindset around automation, digital tools, and advanced engineering techniques. This individual will collaborate across operations, engineering, suppliers, integrators, and leadership teams to help shape the next generation of efficient, scalable manufacturing processes, and systems.

• Lead development of advanced manufacturing strategies for new and existing table top paper products (paper plates, bowls, cups) and conversion processes.
• Develop scalable and efficient manufacturing concepts focused on safety, quality, throughput, ergonomics, and cost.
• Support manufacturing process optimization from early concept through launch stabilization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, labor optimization, equipment utilization, and operational stability.
• Lead internal and external benchmarking activities across all locations.
• Research emerging manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and best practices.
• Support successful launches of new manufacturing lines and processes.
• Critical contributor in defining and leading the technical manufacturing and process strategy for the manufacture of table top paper products.
• Provide technical direction on future‑state machinery, tooling, and related automation in driving manufacturing process innovation that drives improved OEE and quality through consistent, manufacturing processes.
• Drive analysis and improvement solutions for any process challenges in productivity, efficiency, uptime, SMED/setup, and maintenance by addressing interactions between machine, material, employee and auxiliaries.
• Lead network wide efforts to improve machinery and equipment, including cycle time, repeatability and reliability.
• Establish frameworks for diagnosing and resolving chronic, multi variable performance issues across all locations.
• Define and standardize machine setup philosophies and performance expectations across all plants.
• Support critical plant issues requiring advanced technical expertise and troubleshooting.
• Work collaboratively with AJM Advanced Engineering Group on machine/tooling/process launches.
• Provide coaching and technical guidance to junior process engineers and setup technicians across all locations in standardizing processes and implementing best practices while offering real time support on the production floor.
• Facilitate and lead continuous improvement activities through deployment of LEAN tools including structured problem solving, root cause analysis, variation reduction, value stream mapping, visual factory and standardized work.
• Drive and track key projects to completion.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Mechanical/Industrial Engineering degree (B.
  
  A.) from four‑year college or university, MBA or related advanced degree would be beneficial.
• Comprehensive high-speed manufacturing related experience, to include 8 years of direct and extensive hands‑on experience with industrial machines/equipment implementing advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Open‑minded and curious with a passion for continuous learning.
• Embraces emerging technologies to accelerate engineering capability.
• Strong team player who values collaboration across all levels of the organization.
• Principal-level technical leadership capability as an individual contributor.
• Strong understanding of automation, ergonomics, PFMEA, line balancing, and lean manufacturing.
• Excellent analysis and decision‑making capabilities.
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to interact with a wide range of people.

At AJM, our comprehensive “Cafeteria Benefits Plan”…