Product Processing Engineer

About the role

The Product Processing Engineer is a high-impact, strategic role designed for analytical innovators who thrive in high-stakes industrial environments. Functioning as part of an elite engineering "strike team," you will be deployed directly into production facilities to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical challenges. Unlike traditional maintenance or plant roles, this position focuses on unique, non-routine situations. You will be expected to look beyond immediate symptoms to reinvent systems, eliminate deep-seated bottlenecks, and design innovative processing strategies that ensure operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Travel to various mill locations to lead root cause analysis (RCA) on critical processing failures and "unique situations" that standard maintenance teams cannot resolve.
• Develop and implement first-of-their-kind engineering workflows to improve product yield, quality, and processing speed.
• Utilize data-driven models to predict equipment fatigue or process deviations before they result in downtime.
• Act as the technical liaison between corporate engineering strategy and on-site mill operations, ensuring local solutions align with global standards.
• Create "Playbooks" for unique scenarios encountered in the field to build a knowledge base for future deployments.
• Participate in relevant continuous improvement programs.
• Set appropriate performance management expectations for direct reports.
• Lead by example, encourage, and assist in sustaining correct behaviors.
• Incorporate, facilitate, and embrace change; be receptive, and provide adequate feedback for developmental purposes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or Systems Engineering.
• 5-8 years of experience in a heavy industrial, milling, or high volume manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency in diagnostic methodologies like Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams, or FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to learn, adapt, and retain information.
• Must have strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Engineering Management or a specialized technical field is a plus.

Physical requirements

• Mobility in plant environment.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, etc.
• Frequently required to make use of hands for technical tasks.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Visual ability with or without correction.
• Communication abilities.

Work environment

• Clean, well ventilated and safe work areas.
• Requires metatarsal boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, and hard hat.
• Some areas may require additional PPE such as respirators (requires being clean shaven), fire retardant clothing, or acid PPE.
• Must follow all Lockout Tagout (LOTO) guidelines for designated equipment and machinery.
• Must follow all Environmental Policies and Regulations.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Must report absence of or defect in any PPE immediately.
• Must report any contravention of safety regulations or company policies.