Job Summary
The Process Engineer is responsible for the launch of new products and/or manufacturing equipment along with changes to the manufacturing process. They will also be responsible for designing and planning equipment layout, troubleshooting problems associated with manufacturing processes, and estimating production equipment capital and installation costs. In many cases, they will also work directly with the Process Technicians and Operators to ensure proper setups, process settings and specifications are being met.
Essential Functions
- Lead and coordinate new product launches.
- Manage capital projects from start to finish. This includes equipment quotes, project management, work with purchasing to order equipment, ensure equipment capability, and work directly with vendors on a routine basis
- Participate in employee development and progress towards goals.
- Work with T&D Project Engineers on resin and material capabilities and overall new product development
- Assure that process parameters for each product are optimized so that product quality and throughput are maximized. Identify opportunities for improvement in process parameters.
- Develop, update and maintain written thermoforming and extrusion process settings for each product to aid operators with process setups, expedite product changeovers and compensate for changing materials and operating conditions.
- Write and maintain training materials, train the production extrusion operators to a high degree of competency, and provide management with an assessment of operator skills to promote a highly effective workforce.
- Support new product process development and perform new material evaluation trials to introduce new products effectively and efficiently and help determine their technical and economic suitability for commercialization.
- Advise management of problems and opportunities in the areas of extrusion and equipment, process and procedures to promote the best use of new technology and capital.
- Lead and mentor the Extrusion and Thermoforming Operators so that a consistent and coherent team is developed.
- The position is expected to work without supervision to solve normal production process problems, independently organize, and complete related efficiency enhancing projects as required.
- This position will serve as a resource to other Huhtamaki facilities that have thermoforming processes. On occasion the process engineer will travel to train, mentor, and help with improvements in other facilities.
- Clearly communicate on a timely basis, problems, issues and opportunities to peers and members of other departments so that all members of the plant team have clear, consistent information on which to act.
Job Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to train individuals to perform the essential functions
- Must hold a Bachelor of Science in Engineering or at least 5 years in thermoforming or comparable experience with an emphasis in project management.
- People management skills, Project management skills, Leadership skills, the ability to teach and share knowledge with others, evaluation skills, computer skills, mathematical skills, good decision-making skills, mechanical inclination, blueprint reading skills, etc. are essential for the successful completion of this job.
- Must have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. People communication skills, such as the ability to prepare presentations and talk in front of small or large groups of employees or customers is mandatory. Clearly communicating ideas and issues to superiors and peers in order to implement effective action is of utmost importance.
- Proficiency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and an understanding of practical mathematics as is necessary to perform this job successfully.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions in a disciplined manner and effectively propose and carry out effective solutions to a range of complex problems is mandatory.
- Physical Requirements: The Incumbent must be capable of lifting up to 40 pounds of weight over their head with no assistance, maneuver around equipment, climb stairs, maintain balance while handling extruded sheet, material containers, tools and other implements needed to perform the job.
Environment
While performing this job, the employee must wear PPE, follow GMP's, and be trained in job safety. Incumbents must be capable of working in an environment where the temperature may reach 110 to 130 degrees
