Sr. Manufacturing/Process Engineer

King Technology is a Minnesota-based innovator in the pool and spa industry that is expanding it's operations to St. Peter's, Missouri. King Technology specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of smart water care solutions for pools and hot tubs, with a continued focus on innovation, quality, and creating positive experiences. Known for its patented technologies and purpose-driven culture, King Technology is committed to making water care easier while "Enriching Lives Daily" for customers, employees, and communities.

Job Summary:

The Sr. Manufacturing/Process Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes, equipment layouts, and production systems for a new chlorine-based web conversion, filling, and packaging facility. This role plays a critical part in establishing the facility's operational foundation, ensuring processes are safe, efficient, scalable, and compliant with applicable chemical and environmental regulations. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in an industrial or chemical manufacturing environment, has participated in starting up manufacturing lines, and thrives in a fast-paced, build-from-the-ground-up culture where they will wear many hats.

Essential Functions:

• Design, develop, and implement manufacturing processes and workflows from the ground up, ensuring efficiency, safety, product quality, and scalability.
• Evaluate and select equipment, tooling, and materials appropriate for chemical web conversion, filling, and packaging operations.
• Create and maintain plant layouts, process flow diagrams, SOPs, and standardized work instructions for all manufacturing machines, ensuring clarity, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Establish chemical handling procedures for hazardous chlorine materials, including safe storage, transfer, and processing through filling and packaging equipment.
• Develop, document, and monitor critical process parameters and production data, applying statistical process control (SPC) to maintain consistent quality and drive continuous improvement.
• Conduct time studies, capacity analyses, and workflow assessments to identify and eliminate bottlenecks and waste; lead or support Lean, Six Sigma, and cost-reduction projects.
• Lead and coordinate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) to ensure changes are properly documented, approved, and implemented in compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with operations, quality, maintenance, R&D, and safety teams to ensure manufacturing processes meet product specifications and regulatory requirements and to improve production reliability.
• Provide technical oversight and troubleshooting support for production equipment and chemical handling systems; work directly with operators to resolve issues and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in review and disposition of nonconforming materials and products per product/process specifications and business requirements.
• Support facility startup activities including equipment commissioning, qualification, validation, and first production runs.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and applicable chemical safety regulations including PSM/RMP where required; lead hazard analyses (HAZOP, FMEA) and participate in safety audits and incident investigations.
• Develop and deliver training for operators, technicians, and junior engineers on new processes, equipment, safe chlorine handling, and safety protocols.
• Track and report key manufacturing KPIs, recommend and implement continuous improvement initiatives, and partner with leadership to build out the engineering function as the organization grows.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field required.
• 5-10 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience in an industrial production environment; candidates with 3-5 years and strong line startup experience considered.
• Demonstrated experience with process design, plant layout, and equipment commissioning in a new or expanding facility; line startup experience (leading or participating) required; greenfield launch experience strongly preferred.
• At least 1 year in hazardous chemical manufacturing or chlorine handling strongly preferred; web conversion, filling, or packaging experience a plus.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, or other continuous improvement methodologies; certification a plus.
• Experience conducting hazard analyses (HAZOP, FMEA) and familiarity with OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, GHS/SDS requirements, and other applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Experience developing SOPs, work instructions, technical documentation, and ECOs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment with evolving resources.
• Highly organized and flexible; comfortable wearing many hats in a lean, startup environment, with excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficient in CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) for plant layout and process design; experience with process control systems, data analysis tools, and ERP/MES systems; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous learning.
• Alignment with and ability to support an organizational culture centered on faith, family, work, and core values.
• Embrace and foster company values of Excellence, Courage, Selflessness, Integrity and Safety.