Process Engineer (Extrusion) - Columbia, SC

Process Engineer (Extrusion) - Columbia, SC

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Process Engineer will be responsible for evaluating new and existing manufacturing products and processes and lead continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality and productivity.  The Process Engineer will be responsible for day-to-day technical support of the Extrusion (7 Extruders) and Lawn & Garden (L&G) (Packaging Equipment) and Engineered Nylon (EN) (3 Chemical Reactors).  The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, ability to foster a strong working relationship built on trust and respect with peers and leaders and be viewed as a clear and credible communicator and enterprise resource.  The primary product is weed trimmer line.

Responsibilities: 

Production Support/Process Improvements

• Provide engineering support for extrusion, L&G and Engineered Nylon processes and machines.
• Investigate process improvements and/or alternatives.
• Recommend and implement new processes and process improvements.
• Set up/Run/Analyze DOE when needed for process improvements.
• Review job packets for potential output increases to lower costs.
• Implement standard operating procedures to simplify processes.
• Analyze product, customer, and regulatory requirements to ensure processes, tools, fixtures and equipment requirements are properly translated and implemented into documentation.
• Review potential product modifications and consult with customers, suppliers, and others to determine the best approach.
• Partner with Department Heads, Sales, Research and development (R&D) and Product Development (PD) on new customer products
• Must have knowledge and experience in running Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems.
• Review SPC charts for stability and capability as needed for existing business.
• Maintain process and product specification Access database.
• Manufacturing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will include Safety, Quality, Cost per unit, waste reduction and cost savings projects.
• Implement innovative technology to improve operational performance.

Equipment Support/Implementation

• Investigate and troubleshoot equipment issues and assist to bring resolution.
• Assess the equipment needs of Extrusion, L&G and Engineered Nylon department for a 5-year horizon.
• Assist in getting newly purchased capital projects implemented.
• Prepare or assist in generating the request for capital.
• Train personnel on new equipment, processes, and changes to existing processes.

Other Activities

• Support commercial team by assisting with customer complaints and resolutions.
• Leads and participates in Kaizen activity
• Support the extrusion scheduling department by assisting with machine capabilities and recommend potential changes to minimize downtime
• Review job packets before going to the production floor for customer or process specific requirements
• Participate in Extrusion, L&G and Engineered Nylon Operational Excellence (OpX) Team.
• Track cost savings activities to lower operating costs.
• Work with procurement to source alternate raw materials for cost savings or business continuity
• Attends/participates in a variety of meetings/task force groups looking at customer complaints, process improvements, and lean initiatives

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or related Engineering
• 3 -5 years of related manufacturing experience
• Familiar with 5S and Lean concepts lean experience
• ISO 9001:2015 experience
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications:

• Six Sigma Green Belt
• Lean Manufacturing Principles

Specifics:

• Competitive salary
• Full benefits package
• 401K with match
• Strong vacation and corporate holiday policy