Plant Engineer

Montebello Packaging; Lebanon (KY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company specializing in high-tech manufacturing is seeking a Plant Engineer. This role focuses on process optimization, enhancing line performance, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should have a strong background in industrial engineering and a passion for driving enhancements in a fast-paced environment. You'll be a key technical leader, interacting with multiple teams to ensure operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in a process or manufacturing engineering role.
• Experience in high-speed, continuous process settings.
• Demonstrated success in manufacturing planning and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and improve manufacturing processes.
• Analyze line performance and identify bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for quality improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Statistical software

Job description

REPORTS TO: Plant Manager
LOCATION: Lebanon, Kentucky

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Plant Engineer is a key technical leader within our manufacturing facility, responsible for driving process improvement, optimizing line performance, and supporting the continuous growth of our aluminum collapsible tube operations. Specializing in industrial engineering, the Plant Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to increase line efficiencies, improve quality, lower scrap rates, and support material planning. Deep technical expertise, analytical thinking, and a passion for improvement are essential for this hands-on role.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process Optimization:
  o Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and workflows; recommend, design, and implement improvements to reduce cycle times, setup times, and changeovers.
  o Develop and standardize best practices for equipment setups, production methods, and work instructions.
• Efficiency & Productivity Improvement:
  o Analyze line performance and identify bottlenecks.
  o Apply industrial engineering tools (Lean, Six Sigma, value stream mapping, time/motion studies) to maximize output quantity and minimize waste.
  o Support production planning to ensure balanced workload, efficient use of resources, and minimal downtime.
• Quality & Scrap Reduction:
  o Analyze quality trends and implement corrective actions to increase first-pass yield and reduce defects, rework, and scrap.
  o Collaborate with quality assurance teams on root-cause analysis and implementation of robust process controls.
• Materials & Resource Planning:
  o Analyze bill of materials, usage rates, and production schedules to improve inventory turns and minimize shortages or overages.
  o Work closely with Materials, Maintenance, and Production teams to ensure seamless line operation and readiness.
• Technical Support & Troubleshooting:
  o Offer expert technical support to production supervisors and operators for process troubleshooting and resolution of equipment-related issues.
  o Lead or coordinate maintenance and engineering projects related to equipment upgrades, overhauls, or new installations.
• Documentation & Compliance:
  o Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and technical reports.
  o Ensure compliance with all safety, regulatory, and environmental standards.
• Continuous Improvement Culture:
  o Foster and promote a culture of continuous improvement through regular training, workshops, and kaizen events.
  o Lead or participate in cross-functional project teams to deliver cost savings and efficiency gains.

PERFORMANCE METRICS:

• Reduction in average setup/changeover time
• Increase in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and line output
• Reduction in internal scrap and rework rates
• Successful completion of assigned improvement/capital projects
• Contribution to safety, quality, and cost goals

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Strong analytical, technical, and mathematical skills
• Proven project management and organization capabilities
• Advanced problem-solving/troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment
• Experience executing lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to lead teams and train operators
• Hands-on approach with a high sense of urgency and ownership
• Comfort working with high-speed automation/equipment (Hinterkopf experience is an asset)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, statistical software, and/or process simulation tools

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering (required); advanced degree or technical certification is a plus
• Experience: 3+ years in a process or manufacturing engineering role, preferably in a high-speed, continuous process setting such as metal packaging or tube manufacturing
• Technical: Familiarity with the operation and maintenance of advanced production equipment
• Other: Demonstrated success implementing manufacturing planning and continuous improvement initiatives

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS:

• Primarily plant-floor-based, with some desk/office work for analysis and reporting
• May require periodic weekend or off-shift work to support production or project implementation
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment

Join our team to take an active role in shaping the processes, quality, and performance of a modern, high-tech manufacturing operation dedicated to excellence and continuous improvement.

How to Apply:
Please apply directly online or submit your resume to [e-mail]