Position Summary:
Process Engineer develops and improves manufacturing processes by studying product and manufacturing methods. He/she will collaborate with cross-functional departments to implement sustainable process improvements. He/She will also investigate and analyze quality problems, recommending solutions and ensuring corrections are made through the CAPA process. Be a champion of continuous improvement throughout the entire manufacturing facility. In the event of absence, these job responsibilities will be covered by other employees in the “Plant Engineer” or “Plant Manager” positions.
Responsibilities and Duties:
This job description and performance standard document has been prepared as a guide to ensure better communication and understanding. All responsibilities, however, have not been included, nor could they be. Your Supervisor/Manager may from time to time ask you to perform other related duties not specifically included in this description. Likewise, this description will be revised when required to meet current business needs.
- Provide guidance in manufacturing processes in an industrial plant. Develops, evaluates, and improves manufacturing methods, using knowledge of the organization's processes. Key focus areas are on designing and optimizing processes
- Identifies and applies manufacturing best practices in an industrial plant. Research new manufacturing technology and processing methods to improve the organization's productivity, cost, quality, and responsiveness.
- Leads the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles throughout the organization. Deploy other Lean methodologies such as the A3 Process, 6S, Kaizen events, etc.
- Act as a change agent for leading and managing continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing facility.
- Facilitate key projects that will improve quality, reduce costs, improve cycle time, and provide the optimum benefits to customers and the business through waste reduction. Work with a cross functional team to coordinate process improvement projects
- Develop and implement continuous improvement (Lean manufacturing) principles to enhance work processes and output which leads to significant cost savings, improved customer service, improved quality, and improved safety for the organization.
- Build a continuous improvement culture and drive change throughout the organization. Develop solutions to implement new processes, routines and best practices to improve quality and productivity
- Develop Value Stream Maps for all production departments / assets. Identify waste within those processes and propose actions necessary to reduce / eliminate waste. Prioritize by return on investment.
- Enhance the Management Of Change (MOC) process and ensure strict adherence for either process or equipment changes. Provide training to key stakeholders, such as Safety, Quality, Production and/or Maintenance departments.
- Collaborate with Maintenance and Production on Preventative Maintenance (PM) recommendations for optimal product quality and machine uptime. Review existing PM's for effectiveness.
- Utilize Design Of Experiments (DOE) to identify machine setup parameters that product consistency and throughput, conferring with machine vendors where necessary to understand the machine capability limits.
- Capture best practice machine setup parameters, database and deploy as Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for each item type + asset. Prepare process documentation and operating instructions
- Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout.
- Ensure that all responsibilities and functions performed are in accordance with company procedures and meet quality standards in place. Participate in quality programs and stay updated on changes and standards within the systems.
- Teach less experienced engineers and operators as needed. Participate in and provide training and support to project teams
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
- Perform other duties which may be assigned as part of the essential functions of the position.
- Be Safe! Encourage all employees to engage in safe working behaviors.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years' experience in manufacturing, preferably in the printing industry.
- Strong analytical skills, excellent problem-solving mindset.
- Able to read and understand work instructions and accept verbal direction to successfully complete procedures and assigned tasks.
- A minimum certification of Lean green belt; black belt preferred.
- Good verbal and written communication skills required, and proven experience with effective teams and continuous improvement methods strongly preferred.
Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:
- Able to lift and ensure proper handling of items up to 50 pounds.
- Able to stand on feet for most of the shift.
- Must be able to flex to all shifts to support and train.
- Able to tell differences in printed colors and compare to color standards for quality control audits.
- Must travel (up to 20%) as required; overnight travel may be required.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Willingness to be trained in the proper handling and disposal of Hazardous waste.