Process Engineer II

Purpose/Primary Function:

The primary function of this role is to oversee and optimize the manufacturing processes and procedures for wood/plastic composites production, ensuring efficient and reliable operation of plant equipment. This includes developing and maintaining operating parameters, providing technical support to production teams, coordinating equipment repair and replacement, and managing die repair and development. Additionally, the role involves communicating project and process status, recommending capital projects for production enhancement, and addressing various issues related to process, equipment, materials, quality, and environmental health and safety (EHS). The incumbent will leverage their engineering expertise and problem-solving skills to drive continuous improvement and ensure the smooth operation of manufacturing lines while adhering to industry best practices and standards.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop processes and procedures for the function of plant equipment required in manufacturing wood/plastic composites. Establish and maintain the required operating parameters, based on observed data and best practices, with minimal supervision from the supervisor.
• Provide technical assistance to the Production Supervisors, Process Technicians, and maintenance team members to solve problems and optimize the operation of plant equipment.
• Assume responsibility for the proper operation of the manufacturing lines and coordinate the repair and replacement of these pieces of equipment as needed.
• Assume responsibility for all die repair and development.
• Communicate project and process status with weekly reports to the Site Technical Manager.
• Recommend capital projects based on a cost-benefit analysis and the intended production impact. Work with other departments on capital projects or improvements, identify necessary resources, and follow up to assess the operational success of the installed equipment.
• Problem-solving expertise to address process, equipment, materials, quality, and EHS issues.

Education/Experiences:

Required:

• A Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering discipline
• 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing or chemical process operations managing the manufacturing processes and procedures of wood/plastic composites and/or extrusion processes.
• Working knowledge of problem-solving techniques
• Extensive knowledge of MS Office applications.

Preferred:

• Plastics processing and/or extrusion experience.
• Formal problem-solving training, such as Kepner-Tregoe and Six Sigma
• Related experience in purchasing, capital equipment justification purchase and installation, warehousing, and quality control.

Technical/Functional Competencies:

An Ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following technical and functional competencies:

• Process Management: Good at figuring out the processes necessary to get things done; knows how to organize people and activities; understands how to separate and combine tasks into an efficient workflow; knows what to measure and how to measure it; can see opportunities for synergy and integration where others can't; can simplify complex processes; gets more out of fewer resources.
• Decision Quality: Makes good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; most of his/her solutions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time; is sought out by others for advice and solutions.
• Communicating (Verbal & Written): Listens attentively and expresses ideas clearly and concisely. Shares relevant information in a timely and effective manner. Is available to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect.
• Timely Decision Making: Makes tough decisions in a timely manner, sometimes with incomplete information and under tight deadlines and pressure; has a bias for action.
• Problem-Solving: Solves difficult problems with effective solutions; asks good questions and probes all fruitful sources for answers; can see underlying or hidden problems and patterns; is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answer.
• Continuous Improvement: Provides high-quality products and services that meet the needs of the business. Commits to continuous development and fosters an environment that enables the most efficient and effective work processes.
• Dealing with Ambiguity: Can effectively cope with change; can shift gears comfortably; can decide and act without having the total picture; isn't upset when things are up in the air; doesn't have to finish things before moving on; can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
• Planning: Sets goals and objectives; breaks down work into process st eps; develops schedules and task/people assignments; anticipates and adjusts for problems; measures performance; evaluates results. Aligns work plans with the broader business strategy.
• Priority Setting: Spends his/her time and the time of others on what's important; quickly zeroes in on the critical few and puts the trivial many aside; can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal; eliminates roadblocks; creates focus.
• Technical Knowledge: Does well in functional or technical courses; learns new industry, company, product, functional, or technical knowledge; and maintains a network of internal and external contacts.