POSITION SUMMARYThe Engineer is a critical operational role responsible for optimizing Vanguard Soap's manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and plant performance. This role operates as both a hands-on technical expert and continuous improvement driver, with a strong presence on the production floor.This individual will own and improve core manufacturing systems - including reaction vessels, spray drying towers, boilers, pumps, and wastewater systems - while ensuring safe, efficient, and scalable operations. The Engineer will play a central role in troubleshooting downtime, improving process capability, and building standardized, repeatable manufacturing processes. This role requires a proactive, assertive leader who can operate both strategically and tactically, working side‑by‑side with maintenance, production, and leadership team members.The Vanguard manufacturing campus is a 14‑acre site producing 40–50 million pounds annually with 100+ employees, requiring disciplined engineering, strong operational partnership, and a continuous improvement mindset.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESEngineering Leadership & Plant PartnershipServe as a key partner to Operations, Maintenance, and Quality to drive plant performanceMaintain a strong, visible presence on the production floorLead and support maintenance technicians and operators in resolving equipment and process issuesAct as a first responder to critical downtime events, driving rapid root cause identification and resolutionProcess Optimization & Continuous ImprovementIdentify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing processesAnalyze production data to improve yield, throughput, and cost efficiencyImplement Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologiesStandardize best practices across lines, shifts, and product typesEquipment Reliability & Maintenance EngineeringImprove reliability and performance of key plant systems:Reaction vesselsSpray drying towersBoilers and utilitiesPumps and fluid systemsWastewater treatment systemsPartner with Maintenance to develop preventive and predictive maintenance strategiesSupport capital projects, equipment upgrades, and new installationsProcess Documentation & StandardizationDevelop, maintain, and validate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process flow documentationEnsure processes are repeatable, scalable, and audit‑readyTrain plant personnel on updated procedures and best practicesRoot Cause Problem SolvingLead structured root cause analysis for equipment failures, process deviations, quality issuesImplement sustainable corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)Track and report on improvement effectivenessCapital Projects & Engineering ExecutionSupport plant capital planning and executionLead or contribute to equipment selection and design, installation and commissioning, process validation, and startupEnsure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and meet operational requirementsSafety, Compliance & Environmental StewardshipEnsure all engineering activities align with safety standards and regulatory requirementsSupport safe operation of all manufacturing and utility systemsPartner on environmental initiatives, including wastewater and emissions managementCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with: Quality on process capability and product consistency, Supply Chain on material flow and constraints, R&D on product trials and scale‑upServe as a technical bridge between plant operations and leadershipKEY CAPABILITIESHands‑on, plant‑first engineering mindsetStrong mechanical and process engineering acumenProactive, assertive, high‑accountability leadership styleAbility to troubleshoot complex systems under pressureData‑driven decision‑making with practical execution focusStrong cross‑functional collaboration and influenceContinuous improvement orientation (Lean / Six Sigma mindset)QUALIFICATIONS3–7+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing (CPG, chemical, or process manufacturing preferred)Experience working in a plant environment with direct production interactionProven success improving equipment reliability and process performanceExperience with process documentation, SOPs, and continuous improvement initiativesStrong problem‑solving and root cause analysis skillsEDUCATIONBachelor's degree required. Preferred majors: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering#J-18808-Ljbffr