Process Engineer

Klöckner Pentaplast; Gordonsville (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Klöckner Pentaplast is seeking a Process Engineer to coordinate engineering activities, drive continuous improvements in manufacturing processes, and improve product quality. The role emphasizes process control, cost reduction, and data-driven decision making.

The ideal candidate will have a BS in Chemical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering with 5–10 years of related experience, experience with control systems, and familiarity with DMAIC and lean tools to optimize performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering. Fifth to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination.
• Experience with control systems is required; polymer/plastics industry preferred. Green Belt certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Design and implement cost-effective equipment modifications to improve safety, reliability and throughput.
• Partner with maintenance to troubleshoot, repair, and improve control systems.
• Improve production processes related to continuous improvement, quality and process control systems.
• Utilize DMAIC for projects to resolve issues impacting KPIs.
• Ensure equipment documentation meets standards via SOPs and manuals.
• Use mathematical modeling and CAD to enhance technology and plan upgrades.
• Discuss and solve problems with manufacturing and maintenance teams.
• Collect, analyze and summarize process information and trends for KPI performance.
• Maintain focus on health, safety and environment for all activities.
• Estimate ROI for improvements and prepare business cases.

Skills

Process optimization

DMAIC

Lean tools

5S

Automation controls

Control systems

Computer-aided design

Education

B.S. in Chemical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD

Job description

The Company kp is a globally recognised leader in the packaging and specialty film industry, renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. The need to act on climate change has never been clearer so we incorporate sustainability into everything we do by #InvestingInBetter - creating innovative products that enhance product protection, shelf life and contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint.

The Company kp is a globally recognised leader in the packaging and specialty film industry, renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. The need to act on climate change has never been clearer so we incorporate sustainability into everything we do by #InvestingInBetter - creating innovative products that enhance product protection, shelf life and contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint.
At kp, we are passionate about ensuring our customers' satisfaction, and we strive to achieve this goal by focusing all our efforts on meeting their evolving needs. Our dedication to drive a positive change in the packaging industry with a focus on quality and sustainability has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

Process Engineer

Summary

The Process Engineer has responsibility for coordination of engineering activities to ensure process control and drive continuous improvements within kp manufacturing processes. This position will focus on continuous improvement, product quality improvement and statistical process control through failure analyses in order to drive performance and reduce overall manufacturing costs.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead by example - promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Design and implement cost-effective equipment modifications to improve safety, reliability and throughput
• Partner with maintenance department to troubleshoot, repair, and improve overall control systems
• Improve and design production processes, as it relates to continuous improvements, quality and process control systems
• Utilize team-based problem-solving methodologies such as DMAIC for assigned projects to resolve real-time issues that are negatively impacting Key Performance Indicators
• Ensure equipment documentation exists and conforms to standards in the form of work instructions, standard operating procedures, operating and maintenance manuals, drawings, and diagrams.
• Use research, analytical, conceptual and planning skills, particularly mathematical modeling and computer-aided design to enhance existing technology and plan for future upgrades
• Discuss and solve complex problems with the manufacturing and maintenance teams
• Collect, analyze and summarize applicable process information and trends; is a key contributor in the site’s KPI performance by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends, applicable to the process
• Maintain a focus on health, safety and environment for all job activities
• Estimate Return On Investment for each improvement project and prepare applicable business cases for review
• Estimate production times, staffing requirements and related costs to provide information for management decisions
• Utilize 5S techniques in the work environment to maintain a clean and professional work area
• Utilize SMED, CEDAC and other lean tools
• Align with kp’s strategic compass and core behaviors: Focus, Accountability, Respect, and Urgency
• Other duties as assigned

Education And/or Experience

Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Chemical, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering; or five to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with control systems is required; experience in the polymer/plastics industry preferred. Experience with automation controls and Green Belt certification is a plus.
Pay Range is $85,000 - $95,000 annnualized

At kp, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is vital to our global success. We welcome applicants from all identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We aim to create an inclusive culture where our employees feel empowered to play to their strengths and see themselves reflected in the organization without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual preference, marital status, or inclusion in any other protected class.