Process Engineer: Continuous Improvement & Data-Driven Optimizer

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

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.