Process Engineer

RKW - North America; Franklin (KY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

RKW - North America is seeking a Process Engineer in Franklin, KY to drive continuous improvement, analyze data, and lead DOEs that improve yield and reduce scrap. You will train operators and quality staff while collaborating with R&D, production, and quality teams to advance product development from concept to launch.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's in engineering and 3–5 years in film extrusion or related processes, with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Polymer, Materials, Industrial, Process Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of process engineering experience in film extrusion, printing, embossing, or related web conveyance and converting operations.
• Preferred experience in hygiene film manufacturing and high-speed roll-to-roll printing and embossing.
• Demonstrated success in process optimization, waste reduction, quality improvement, and industrial troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Drive process performance and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve established production and quality targets, utilizing appropriate quality management tools and defined performance metrics.
• Monitor, analyze, and improve production efficiency, including throughput, scrap reduction, and equipment uptime, in line with budgeted standards and operational objectives.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and optimize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Standard Operating Conditions (SOCs) for new and existing processes, and provide training to operators and relevant stakeholders.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve process and plant-related issues to ensure consistent operational performance, product quality, and timely delivery to customers.
• Collaborate closely with Research & Development, Production, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to support the product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization, including plant trials, field trials, validation, and product launch activities.
• Conduct physical, analytical, and performance testing of raw materials, product samples, and competitive materials; document, interpret, and summarize results to support process optimization and product development.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional improvement projects and technical task teams focused on process enhancements, corrective actions, and rapid resolution of operational challenges.
• Maintain accurate and compliant process documentation and records, including ISO-related documentation, trial reports, change management records, and process validation files.

Skills

Fluent in English

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Polymer, Materials, Industrial, Process Engineering, or equivalent

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Project)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Process Engineer

Regular Full-Time Franklin, KY, US

JOB PROFILE

Internal Job Title (SF)

Process Engineer

Business Job Title (optional)

Franklin, KY

Job Function

Job Discipline

Position Title solid line Manager; dotted line Manager (if applicable)

N° of Direct Reports (approx.)

0

Job Purpose (Describes purpose and [strategic] contribution of the role to business, function or similar.)

The Process Engineer drives continuous improvement in asset productivity and product quality through data analysis, process and material expertise and research, and structured experimentation. The role leads DOEs to validate and document improvement initiatives, with success measured by reduced process variation, improved operating stability, higher first-pass yield, and lower scrap. The Process Engineer also trains and supports operators, Quality Technicians, and Production Supervisors in process-related improvements.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

(max. of 8 duties)

• Drive process performance and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve established production and quality targets, utilizing appropriate quality management tools and defined performance metrics.
• Monitor, analyze, and improve production efficiency, including throughput, scrap reduction, and equipment uptime, in line with budgeted standards and operational objectives.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and optimize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Standard Operating Conditions (SOCs) for new and existing processes, and provide training to operators and relevant stakeholders.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve process and plant-related issues to ensure consistent operational performance, product quality, and timely delivery to customers.
• Collaborate closely with Research & Development, Production, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to support the product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization, including plant trials, field trials, validation, and product launch activities.
• Conduct physical, analytical, and performance testing of raw materials, product samples, and competitive materials; document, interpret, and summarize results to support process optimization and product development.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional improvement projects and technical task teams focused on process enhancements, corrective actions, and rapid resolution of operational challenges.
• Maintain accurate and compliant process documentation and records, including ISO-related documentation, trial reports, change management records, and process validation files.

Job Qualifications

(Minimum requirements representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.)

Education & Working Experience (e.g. degrees, years of experience, etc.)

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Polymer, Materials, Industrial, Process Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of process engineering experience in film extrusion, printing, embossing, or related web conveyance and converting operations.
• Preferred experience in hygiene film manufacturing and high-speed roll-to-roll printing and embossing.
• Demonstrated success in process optimization, waste reduction, quality improvement, and industrial troubleshooting.

See also: RKW competency model

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Results-oriented mindset with the ability to respond to urgent operational needs and meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail in process control, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with operators, maintenance, quality, production, and management teams.
• Fluent in English; additional language skills are an advantage.
• Capable of communicating technical issues clearly and driving alignment across functions.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and Project.
• Comfortable working with production systems, data collection tools, and reporting platforms.
• Able to convert production data into actionable process improvements.
• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Strong commitment to performing all duties in a safe, effective, and compliant manner.

Advantageous certifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Lean Manufacturing certification
• SPC / statistical data analysis training