Process Engineer - Manufacturing

About the role

Drive process efficiency and operational excellence by leading and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. Support a culture of safety, standardization, and data-driven decision-making to deliver measurable cost reductions, reduce waste, improve equipment performance, and strengthen quality systems through effective cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Organizational Development – 20%:
  • Integrate safety considerations into all improvement initiatives while developing and sustaining standard work that ensures consistent, safe, and efficient operations.
  • Strengthen a culture of continuous improvement by embedding data-driven problem-solving, visual management, and structured CI practices into daily operations.
  • Partner effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Technology to drive adoption and sustain productivity improvements through clear communication, training, and performance tracking.
• Manufacturing Process Excellence – 60%:
  • Deliver measurable cost savings exceeding $300K annually by improving machine reliability, streamlining changeovers, reducing scrap, and implementing process improvements across coater and sheeting operations.
  • Drive manufacturing operations to exceed machine performance targets by enhancing efficiency, reducing scrap, and increasing throughput.
  • Provide technical guidance to implement new processes, optimize existing operations, and support new product introductions while maintaining high product quality and customer satisfaction.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives by analyzing operational gaps, applying data-driven solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to sustain efficiency gains, standardize best practices, and drive operational excellence.
  • Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving: Lead process improvement initiatives by analyzing operational gaps, applying data-driven solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to sustain efficiency gains, standardize best practices, and drive operational excellence.
  • Continuous Improvement Tracking & Pipeline Management: Track and report the effectiveness of implemented process improvements, manage a CI project pipeline exceeding $750K to prioritize and monitor initiatives, identify further optimization opportunities, and ensure sustained operational gains.
• Operational Metrics and Project Leadership – 20%:
  • Performance Metrics & Team Engagement: Champion team understanding of key KPIs (safety, productivity, scrap rate, throughput, changeover times) through dashboards, visual aids, hands-on training, and daily team huddles. Leverage real-time data to guide decisions, support cross-functional collaboration, and implement process enhancements while engaging, mentoring, and developing the team.
  • Project Execution: Complete all assigned projects on budget, on time, and deliver expected payback while complying with safety policies and company regulations.
  • Best Practice Sharing: Facilitate the dissemination of successful process improvements and operational practices across teams, shifts, and sites to drive consistent performance and accelerate continuous improvement adoption.

Qualifications

• Education: Degree in engineering (Paper Science, Chemistry, Mechanical, Industrial), manufacturing, and/or a related technical field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated exposure to Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Travel: Up to 10%.

Skills and Attributes

• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership ability to guide teams, influence outcomes, and drive results in a manufacturing environment.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with a data-driven approach to continuous improvement.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure consistent quality and compliance across all production processes.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effectively interacting with team members, suppliers, and senior management.
• Adaptability: Ability to quickly adapt processes to meet changing demands and production requirements.
• Proficiency with operational software, statistical tools (e.g. Minitab) and root cause analysis techniques.
• Strong computer skills, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Excel is essential).
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams through the CI process using tools such as 8D, Kaizen, 5 Whys, DMAIC, FMEA.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance available
• Low cost of living + stable manufacturing environment
• Hands-on engineering leadership opportunity
• High visibility role with direct plant impact
• Competitive medical, dental, life, AD&D, and vision insurance plans
• Generous annual time off allotment, including vacation (based on company service), parental leave, paid volunteer time, sick or emergency time, and 12 holidays
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250 per year), scholarships for dependents, monthly cell phone reimbursement, and annual steel toe and prescription safety glasses reimbursement
• 401(k), Employee Assistance Program (available to employees and their families), annual bonus program, referral bonus program (up to $1,750), STD, LTD, and much more!