Process Engineer

Woodbridge; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits

401(k) with company match

Flexible working hours

Wellness coaching and EAP

Upskilling and internal promotions

Job summary

Woodbridge Chattanooga Formed Plastics L.P. seeks a Process Engineer to drive production efficiency and reliability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will lead target attainment, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives across plant operations.

Requirements include an engineering degree (chemical or mechanical), Lean/Six Sigma expertise, and strong data-driven problem-solving abilities. Experience with injection molding or foam processes is a plus, along with supervisory

Qualifications

• Engineering degree (Chemical or Mechanical) or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing tools and principles.
• Six Sigma certification preferred; training provided if not certified.
• Knowledge of EPP foam or injection molding; Kurtz/Teubert assets a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience in equipment selection, process optimization, and efficiency improvements.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.
• Advanced knowledge of SPC, APQP, CARS, and automotive quality standards (IATF 16949).
• Familiarity with DOE and process improvement methodologies.
• Previous supervisory experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Access, data collection systems, SPC software, and PM tools.

Responsibilities

• Maintain 5S standards and enforce safety protocols for a safe work environment.
• Supervise operators, mechanics, and setup personnel to meet standards and targets.
• Lead and allocate resources to align with goals, efficiency, and KPIs.
• Drive Workplace Production System (WPS) initiatives to standardize workflows.
• Contribute to APQP for new products, tooling, and equipment readiness.
• Lead continuous improvement, including scrap reduction and variation control.
• Apply 8D, 5 Whys to identify and eliminate root causes of issues.
• Support production troubleshooting with lead hands and technicians.
• Implement and enforce Health, Safety, and Environmental modules.
• Lead plant improvement projects with maintenance team.
• Design and execute DoE and planned experiments as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Project management

Statistical analysis

Education

Engineering degree (Chemical or Mechanical)

Tools

Kurtz equipment

Teubert equipment

Job description

Legal Entity: Woodbridge Chattanooga Formed Plastics L.P.

Requisition ID: 4123

Pay Range

About Woodbridge

We are innovators using advanced technology to manufacture next generation products. We are pioneers in foam technology science and provide our products to customers in multiple industries. We are a global team of over 7,000 teammates strong who are laser focused on quality, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability. We are proud to give back to the communities in which we live and work through our Woodbridge Cares programs that serves communities around the world through volunteerism and philanthropy. We are a people centric organization that has been awarded numerous recognitions for our commitment to manufacturing excellence and innovation. Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of foam technology.

Woodbridge Culture

Woodbridge takes immense pride in its robust corporate (think people first, innovation, lets get to it, manufacturing focused) culture, which serves our customers, Teammates, and the world. We're thrilled to share that in 2024, Woodbridge has been awarded Deloitte's Best Managed designation for eight consecutive years. This accolade is not just an award; its a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, inspiring you to be a part of our journey!

What's in it for you?

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits Plan
• Defined Contribution Plan with additional company match - Automatic company contribution to a top quartile retirement savings plan with more incentives to match
• Flexible Working Hours
• Employee Assistance Program with free access to health and wellness coaches
• Continuous Learning Culture - We believe in Upskilling & Internal Promotions!

Position Summary

The Process Engineer is responsible for achieving daily production targets while ensuring the operational integrity, efficiency, and reliability of plant machinery. This role requires a strong combination of engineering expertise and leadership capability to manage personnel, safety, and manufacturing processes. The position involves regular communication with internal stakeholders, customers, and plant support teams to drive key performance indicators (KPIs) and continuous improvement initiatives. The selected candidate will be required to complete a Six Sigma Black Belt certification program sponsored by the company if not already certified.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of 5S and enforce safety protocols to ensure a safe and hazard-free work environment.
• Supervise operators, mechanics, and setup personnel to ensure adherence to operational standards and production targets.
• Lead and allocate resources effectively to align with organizational goals, efficiency targets, and KPIs.
• Drive WPS (Workplace Production System) initiatives to standardize workflows and improve operational consistency.
• Serve as a key member of the APQP team, responsible for defining process requirements for new products, tooling, and equipment, including sample runs and production readiness for launches.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including scrap reduction and process variation reduction programs.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys) to eliminate root causes of recurring production issues.
• Support production troubleshooting in collaboration with lead hands and technicians.
• Implement, maintain, and enforce assigned Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) modules.
• Lead plant improvement projects in coordination with the maintenance team.
• Design and execute planned experiments, including full-factorial Design of Experiments (DOE), as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Knowledge Required

• Engineering degree (Chemical or Mechanical preferred) or equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing tools and principles
• Six Sigma certification preferred; training will be provided if not already certified
• Knowledge of EPP foam or injection molding processes (experience with Kurtz or Teubert equipment is an asset)
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Experience in equipment selection, process optimization, and efficiency improvements
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and project management skills
• Advanced knowledge of SPC, APQP, CARS, and automotive quality standards (including IATF 16949)
• Familiarity with statistical analysis, DOE, and process improvement methodologies
• Previous supervisory experience, is an asset
• Proficiency in MS Excel, MS Access, data collection systems, SPC software, and PM tools
• Exposure to environmental regulations and reporting is an asset
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills.
• Detail-oriented with a 'hands-on' approach on the plant floor.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-speed production environment

Woodbridge is committed to fostering a diverse workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider applicants without regard to race, colour, ancestry, creed, place of origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other protected status. If you have any accommodation requirements, please let us know, and we will do our best to meet your needs in accordance with applicable local legislation.