Process Engineer, Bethune - SC

Ahlstrom; Bethune (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Ahlstrom is seeking a Process Engineer to drive manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and cost improvements in our South Carolina operation. Reporting to the Quality Engineer, you will guide aPlus and Lean initiatives, supervise maintenance, and coordinate with the Mount Holly Springs, PA plant to share best practices.

You will apply Lean concepts and ISO procedures to optimize processes, improve SPC, and support safety and housekeeping programs across the site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience improving manufacturing processes and applying lean concepts.
• Knowledge of ISO procedures.
• Willingness to travel for training.
• Ability to be on call 24/7 and report to the plant as needed.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve production flow, equipment processing and product packing.
• Plan modernization of converting operations to improve cost and quality.
• Apply lean manufacturing concepts to boost efficiency.
• Lead problem-solving using SPC, DOE and standard operating practices.
• Coordinate aPlus continuous improvement efforts and reports.
• Supervise maintenance department and staff; ensure safety and housekeeping.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

ISO Procedures

Leadership

Problem Solving

Manufacturing Operations

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

You have a choice of where you want to work! We invite you along on our journey to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to attract, retain, and energize passionate people, like you, by investing in your professional development and providing opportunities for personal growth.

Do your values align with ours? Accountability, Growth Mindset, One Team, Care, and a fair and inclusive work environment for everyone, everywhere!

We strive to meet the highest standards of corporate citizenship by protecting the health and safety of our team, safeguarding the environment, and creating a long-lasting, positive impact on the communities where we do business.

Are you with us?!?

About The Opportunity

Reporting to the Quality Engineer, the Process Engineer is responsible for providing resources for the manufacturing group focusing on improved manufacturing efficiencies, product quality and cost improvement. This position is responsible for driving improvement in converting operational efficiencies, identifying new equipment potential, and applying lean manufacturing concepts to the operation. In addition, the position will coordinate the “aPlus” and Lean continuous improvement process for Advance Filtration Converting and will have the primary role of improving product manufacturing efficiency and continuous improvement. This position is also responsible for supervising and directing the operations of the Maintenance department and its employees.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates current operational processes to identify opportunities for improvements in production flow, equipment processing and product packing.
• Develop plans to modernize the converting operation thus improving cost and quality.
• Applies lean manufacturing concepts to improve operational efficiency.
• Instructs and facilitates the use of problem-solving techniques & tools ranging from trend charting, formalized problem solving, standard operating practices, designed experiments to statistical process control.
• Establish support for the aPlus continuous improvement effort on-site. This includes the coordination of the aPlus efforts, the development of Team based projects, and the support of all necessary reporting functions.
• Directs and coordinates various programs essential to manufacturing procedures (e.g., quality, productivity, training, safety, housekeeping, cost reduction, worker involvement, security, morale, etc.).
• Reviews and analyzes production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to determine opportunities for improvements, and delivering solutions to achieve these improvements.
• Implements SPC throughout the manufacturing process where feasible.
• Actively leads and participates in aPlus and Lean process. Incorporates aPlus and Lean methodology into the manufacturing systems and operations.
• Provides cross coordination of activity with sister plant in Mount Holly Springs, PA
• Must know ISO procedures relating to job and follow said procedures.
• Provides supervision and direction of the maintenance department and the employees assigned to the maintenance team.
• Performs other projects and duties as assigned.

Minimum Occupational Requirements

• Must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree
• Experience evaluating manufacturing operational processes to identify opportunities for improvements in production flow, equipment processing and product packing.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing concepts to improve operational efficiency.
• Knowledge of ISO procedures
• Must have the ability to travel for training as required by the position.
• Must possess the ability to be on call 24/7 and / or to report to the plant as needed.
• Excellent supervisory and leadership skills, including:
• Organization and planning – Anticipate current needs and future events in order to plan for both the short and long terms.
• Decision making – improved quality and quantity of decisions. Follow through on ideas.
• Leadership skills including direction, delegation, control, and follow up. Effectively train people and ascertain resulting skill level.
• Perception – Identify strengths and weaknesses in both systems and people and opportunities for improvement, primarily in sphere of influence, but including big picture (other departments, company overall).
• Adaptability – Modify plans and actions in light of changing circumstances.
• Interpersonal relations – Respond sensitively to the needs and feelings of others, regardless of their status. Contribute to positive team building within department and overall company.
• Oral and written communication: Use grammar and vocabulary properly. Publish concise reports / updates / communications.

Physical Demands

• Must possesses the ability to sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle controls, and talk or hear.
• Must be able to frequently to reach with hands and arms.
• Must possess the ability to bend, stoop, and lift items weighing 50+ pounds.
• Must have the ability to work in a hot or cold environment within a manufacturing production setting, with exposure to working near moving mechanical parts.
• Must have the ability to work on elevated platforms or surfaces.

Ahlstrom is a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials. Join our journey to create a more sustainable world with products and solutions that Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We serve five growing and distinctive end markets, which form the basis for our five divisions: Filtration, Food & Consumer Packaging, Healthcare, Building Materials, and Technical Materials. We are deeply committed to building and maintaining safe and inclusive environment and culture, where everyone feels valued and respected. At Ahlstrom, we all have equal opportunities to belong and reach our full potential. Our net sales 2022 amounted to EUR 3.3 billion, and we employ some 7,000 people.