Process Engineer

West Pharmaceutical Services; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

West Pharmaceutical Services in Grand Rapids is seeking a Process Engineer to lead process-improvement efforts across manufacturing lines, focusing on safety, yields, quality, and cost control. You will apply Six Sigma, DMAIC, DOE, and A3 methods to optimize equipment, methods, and validation processes.

The role includes collaboration with global teams, project documentation, and training West personnel on new equipment and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering or similar.
• 3–5+ years of professional experience in an equivalent Process Engineer role.
• Injection molding/plastics experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Organize, coordinate, and implement process improvement activities to improve safety, yields, quality, cost effectiveness, and throughput.
• Define projects with specifications or drawings and ensure timely implementation within budgets.
• Apply Six Sigma, DMAIC, A3, DOE, and related continuous improvement methods.
• Support product and process transfer aligning with global strategies.
• Maintain project records and ensure procedures reflect current best practices.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Six Sigma DMAIC

DOE

A3 problem solving

cGMP knowledge

SOPs & validation docs

Team collaboration

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering or similar

Tools

Injection Molding experience

Plastics manufacturing processes

Job description

Description

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future? There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families. We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

Job Summary

Organize, coordinate, and implement process improvement activities that support and/or improve safety, yields, quality, cost effectiveness, and throughput of our processes. This includes using formal process improvement tools, and validation of new/modified processes.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assume full responsibility for various Process Engineering projects as assigned. Projects will focus on improvements to safety, yields, quality, cost effectiveness, and throughput. Projects may include implementation of new equipment and methods, or the improvement of existing equipment and methods.
• Fully define projects via specifications or drawings. Follow-up on new and revised improvements to ensure proper implementation. Operate within approved time schedules and project budgets.
• Apply formal problem solving tools, including application of Six Sigma, DMAIC, A3, DOE, and other similar continuous improvement concepts.
• Support the development, transfer, and improvement of products and processes to support the company’s global strategies.
• Support projects and initiatives stemming from Global Process Engineering team. Provide reliable and timely communication with global colleagues.
• Consult and cooperate with corporate/customer/supplier personnel as authorized and required. Maintain effective communication and working relationships.
• Instruct and train West Pharmaceutical Services personnel in the use of any special equipment that may be required after project completion.
• Maintain accurate project records, engineering records, and other controlled documentation. Review and revise procedures to ensure they reflect the most effective means and contain the most current and correct information.
• Lead the way in supporting the plant’s efforts in meeting corporate and plant goals.
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, instruction, and all safety rules.

Education

• Bachelor's in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering or similar

Work Experience

• 3-5+ years of professional experience in an equivalent role such as a Process Engineer
• Injection Molding / Plastics experience

Preferred Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Experience in a Automotive/Pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or Green Belt with solid track of lean improvements)
• Knowledge of cGMP.
• Ability of authoring/revising SOIs, SOPs and validation documents
• Must have excellent written and verbal skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills: good team player and individual contributor as well

Travel Requirements

10%: Up to 26 business days per year

Physical Requirements

• Must maintain the ability to work well with others in a variety of situations.
• Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints, problem solve, and prioritize.
• Must also be able to maintain confidentiality and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to make independent and sound judgments.
• Use written and oral communication skills
• Read and interpret data, information and documents
• Analyze and solve problems
• Observe and interpret situations
• Learn and apply new information or new skills
• Operate in both office and manufacturing environments
• Ability to work in both hot and cold environments.
• Ability to repetitively lift 35 pounds.

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to [e-mail] . Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.