Process Improvement Engineer

This is a Contract to Hire position based in Greensboro, NC.

About the role

The Process Improvement Engineer plays a key role in driving continuous improvement initiatives across multiple high-speed production lines. This position focuses on improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing downtime, eliminating bottlenecks, and increasing line performance from current operating levels toward targeted efficiency goals. The engineer combines strong mechanical troubleshooting skills with process engineering expertise to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, throughput, and reliability while working directly on the production floor with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to improve OEE, equipment uptime, throughput, and overall production line performance.
• Analyze production KPIs and equipment performance data to identify recurring losses, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing equipment failures and process inefficiencies in real time on the production floor.
• Drive continuous improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks throughout the production process, including filling, packaging, labeling, conveying, and automated material handling systems.
• Support changeovers and SKU transitions by optimizing machine settings, process parameters, and equipment configurations to minimize downtime and improve efficiency.
• Develop and implement creative engineering solutions that enhance productivity, product quality, and overall operational efficiency.
• Work closely with maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime through proactive engineering support.
• Conduct root cause investigations on recurring issues and implement corrective and preventive actions to sustain improvements.
• Support equipment modifications, upgrades, and process optimization efforts to improve performance and reliability.
• Assist with capital improvement projects, including equipment installations and process validation activities.
• Monitor process performance and make hands-on adjustments to machinery and production systems as needed to maintain optimal operation.
• Collaborate with operators and production leadership to sustain improvements, standardize best practices, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide production support through manufacturing process engineering, focusing on process optimization, bottleneck reduction, and line performance enhancement.
• Own and improve critical production lines, ensuring that improvement initiatives are aligned with plant performance goals and leadership expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing, chemical processing, consumer products, food production, or other high-volume production environment.
• Strong understanding of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), downtime reduction strategies, and manufacturing KPI analysis.
• Hands-on experience improving uptime, throughput, and key manufacturing performance indicators.
• Demonstrated experience with continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause failure analysis or similar tools.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot manufacturing equipment and automated production lines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting filling, packaging, bottling, labeling, conveying, or automated manufacturing systems and high-speed packaging or filling equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose equipment and process issues directly on the production floor.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Ability to manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously and prioritize work in alignment with production needs.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement teams.

Skills

• Experience working with high-speed filling, bottling, packaging, labeling, and conveyor systems in an automated production environment.
• Familiarity with manufacturing engineering principles related to filling machines, bottling lines, and packaging lines.
• Comfort working in a data-driven environment, using production metrics and KPIs to guide decision-making and improvement initiatives.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $55.00/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite position in Greensboro, NC.