Engineering Specialist

Kao EMEA & Americas; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Washing Systems, LLC (WSI), now part of the Kao family, seeks a highly self-motivated Engineering Specialist to join our Engineering/Equipment Department in Cincinnati, OH. Reporting to the Manager of Engineering, this role covers equipment activities, engineering projects, and providing expert technical guidance.

You will organize projects, manage installation and maintenance, evaluate designs, and work with customers, vendors, and field technicians to deliver solutions and drive cost reduction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 1–2 years of applicable experience.
• Equivalent military education with 4+ years of applicable experience accepted.
• High school diploma or GED with 8+ years of applicable experience accepted.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills preferred.
• Strong computer skills and ability to work independently.
• AutoCAD and PLC programming experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage engineering projects.
• Manage installation, testing, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment.
• Direct, evaluate, and confirm product design and changes.
• Consult with customers, vendors and field technicians to solve issues and/or arrange resources for projects.
• Perform administrative functions such as evaluating and writing reports and approving expenditures.
• Develop and implement policies, standards, and procedures for the engineering work performed.
• Initiate, plan and participate in equipment modifications and project improvements for quality, productivity and cost reduction.
• Identify advanced technologies and applications for potential business development.
• Evaluate engineering/equipment processes and SOPs to identify areas of improvement.
• Assist Director of Engineering in coordinating work to support project management and day-to-day operations.

Skills

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Military education with 4+ years experience

High school diploma or GED with 8+ years experience

Tools

AutoCAD

PLC programming

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. Washing Systems, LLC (WSI), now part of the Kao family of companies, seeks a highly self-motivated Engineering Specialist to join our thriving team. WSI is the largest supplier of laundry chemicals to the commercial laundry industry in North America. WSI provides high quality chemical products for both uniform and linen rental companies. Reporting to the Manager of Engineering, the Engineering Specialist is a key member of the Engineering/Equipment Department with responsibilities, including, but not limited to, equipment activities, engineering projects, and providing expert technical guidance.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Science-based. Performance-focused. WSI is the leading provider of innovative products and services to the commercial laundry processing industry. Driven by comprehensive technological innovations, WSI delivers powerful advancements in the cleaning, processing, and the disinfection of textiles. Culturally progressive, WSI consistently maximizes plant efficiencies, while increasing productivity and reducing the environmental footprint for our manufacturing sites and customer sites. While serving North America and Europe, WSI’s global headquarters reside in Ohio. Additional offices are located across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Please visit our website for more information: www.washingsystems.com.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBLITIES AND TASKS:

Responsibilities and tasks are written as follows:

• Organize and manage engineering projects.
• Manage installation, testing, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment.
• Direct, evaluate, and confirm product design and changes.
• Consult with customers, vendors and field technicians to solve issues and/or make arrangements of resources required for a project.
• Perform administrative functions such as evaluating and writing reports and approving expenditures.
• Develop and implement policies, standards, and procedures for the engineering and technical work performed.
• Initiate, plan and participate actively in equipment modifications and project improvement for quality, productivity and cost reduction.
• Identify advanced technologies and applications for potential business development.
• Evaluate Engineering/Equipment processes and SOP's to identify areas of improvement.
• Assist Director of Engineering in coordinating work to support project management and day-to-day operations.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field and one to two years of applicable experience is desired. The company will also consider equivalent military education with four plus years of applicable experience or high school diploma/GED and eight plus years of applicable experience.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills are preferred.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to work independently.
• Auto CAD and PLC programming experience a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus and differentiate color.
• Frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear.
• Overnight travel of 10% - 30%.
• Travel abroad.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Corporate working environment.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Occasionally in extreme heat conditions.
• Indoor customer sites may have high noise levels.
• May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at customer sites.