Process Engineer

Maker's Pride; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Maker's Pride is seeking a Process Engineer to drive process improvements across manufacturing lines. You will analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and implement countermeasures to boost operating capability and sustainability while upholding safety and quality standards.

You will support commercialization and capital project planning, collaborating with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations to deliver cost reductions and enhanced throughput.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 3–5 years in Process Improvement/Lean manufacturing; food packaging or similar.
• GMPs/HACCP/SQF knowledge preferred; Six Sigma Green/Black Belt a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize manufacturing processes across areas.
• Drive cost reductions while improving safety, quality, and throughput.
• Analyze data, interpret results, and present to management.
• Support capital projects planning and execution with Project Engineers.
• Train teams on new processes and equipment commissioning.
• Ensure GMPs and safety/environmental compliance.

Skills

Excellent communication

Data-driven problem solving

Change leadership

Autonomy

Strong technical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Minitab

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Summary

The Process Engineer is responsible for supporting Operations through data collection, problem solving analysis, and countermeasure implementation to work toward the improvement of operating capability and sustainability while maintaining all applicable safety and quality standards to ultimately drive down cost. This activity includes, but is not limited to, troubleshooting equipment, improving existing data collection methods, and providing detailed analysis of said data to department managers to help drive true process improvement by understanding problems/root cause via the use of data and facts. Process Engineer is also responsible for supporting the Commercialization team and Project Engineers on the planning/execution of capital projects as well as providing feedback during our internal operations quoting process for all new business. The Process Engineer reports to the Plant Manager and oversees process improvements with Operations Manager and Maintenance Manager at the assigned location.

The Process Engineer is responsible for supporting Operations through data collection, problem solving analysis, and countermeasure implementation to work toward the improvement of operating capability and sustainability while maintaining all applicable safety and quality standards to ultimately drive down cost. This activity includes, but is not limited to, troubleshooting equipment, improving existing data collection methods, and providing detailed analysis of said data to department managers to help drive true process improvement by understanding problems/root cause via the use of data and facts. Process Engineer is also responsible for supporting the Commercialization team and Project Engineers on the planning/execution of capital projects as well as providing feedback during our internal operations quoting process for all new business. The Process Engineer reports to the Plant Manager and oversees process improvements with Operations Manager and Maintenance Manager at the assigned location.

Job Duties

• Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Responsible for leading, developing and optimizing processes in all areas of manufacturing.
• Lead the way in process improvements to support cost reductions, improvements to safety, quality and through-put.
• Assess processes, take measurements, and interpret data.
• Improve existing data collection methods.
• Design, run, test and upgrade systems and processes.
• Develop best practices, routines and innovative solutions to improve production rates and quality of output.
• Work with customers, suppliers and all levels of management staff.
• Responsible for managing multiple projects at the same time.
• Responsible for maintaining all documentation related to process improvement tools to support the HPS methods.
• Ensure the facility implements and maintains process improvements to support the High Performance System (HPS) in all production areas.
• Develop project justifications for capital requests.
• Work with Project Engineers on capital project execution and implementation.
• Train and support teams involved in the implementation of new processes or commissioning of new equipment.
• Assist with equipment troubleshooting on under-performing lines.
• Work with maintenance to improve PM program and increase equipment reliability.
• Provide informed feedback during budgeting exercises to help guide decision making into the next fiscal year.
• Stay up to date on industry trends and standards in food manufacturing unit operations that can impact HFS to proactively identify innovative solutions for existing or potential problems
• Work with Quality to help implement and monitor new and existing processes changed or affected by customer requirements across all functions.
• May be required to work 2nd shift, 3rd shift or weekends from time to time.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) at all times.
• Comply with all safety, health and environmental regulations as prescribed by law.
• Comply with all Company rules, regulations and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies & Knowledge

Knowledge of:

• High Performance System (HPS), products, and production processes or knowledge of a similar system
• Knowledge of process related standards
• Knowledge and experience with Excel and Minitab

Skill In

• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong self-confidence.
• Strong will to drive change.
• Excellent technical skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with autonomy.
• Must be accurate, detail-oriented and maintain the utmost confidentiality.

Ability To

• Communicate in English to give and acknowledge instructions/problems.
• Physical and mental ability to work in excess of 40 hours per week.
• Ability to effectively present information to employees, top management, public groups and/or board of directors.
• Ability to understand complex calculations.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to interpret data being presented in any format.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram and/or schedule form.
• Ability to work well with others in stressful situations and meet deadlines as necessary.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and tasks.
• Excellent typing, record keeping and, follow-up skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment while making sound decisions.
• Must have a strong will to drive change and sustain.

Proficiency in:

MS Office Suite, Excel, and PowerPoint (Minitab is a plus)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field required, or sufficient industry experience.
• 3 (three) to 5 (five) years’ experience in Process Improvement (Lean manufacturing) function; preferably in food packaging or similar form of manufacturing.
• Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Process Related Standards, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), SQF and 5S preferred.
• TPM/Kaizen or Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification a plus.

Maker's Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer.