Process Engineer - rPET Innovation & Optimization

Unifi Manufacturing, Inc; Reidsville (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous vacation and paid holidays

Flexible work options

Life Insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

UNIFI Manufacturing, Inc. is seeking a Process Engineer to support and optimize recycled PET (rPET) flake production processes.

You will work with cross-functional teams to drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency while aligning with company standards and regulatory requirements. The role emphasizes structured problem solving, data-driven decision making, and hands-on technical support across production, quality, maintenance, and engineering.

Qualifications

• A four-year engineering or physical science degree is preferred, with interest in mechanical, chemical, or textile engineering, or comparable experience.
• Experience in recycled PET (rPET) flake production, product development, process improvement, or extrusion is strongly preferred.
• Previous leadership or project management experience in a manufacturing environment is desirable.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and communicate professionally with all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Self-motivated with ability to learn new technologies and adapt in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically between company facilities

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain knowledge of rPET flake production processes and plant operating systems.
• Provide technical solutions to improve process performance, quality, and cost through structured experimentation and optimization.
• Monitor production performance and process capability to meet targets; provide guidance when standards are not met.
• Offer hands-on technical support to manufacturing, QA, and downstream operations for troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with teams to identify challenges and implement sustainable process improvements.
• Support commercialization of new product developments by transitioning lab work to scalable production.
• Develop and maintain process documentation and operating procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for safety, efficiency, and quality.
• Support engineering projects related to recycled PET processing and new manufacturing technologies.

Skills

Project management

Technical problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Detail-oriented

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or physical science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

UNIFI Manufacturing, Inc. is seeking a Process Engineer to support and optimize recycled PET (rPET) flake production processes.

You will work with cross-functional teams to drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency while aligning with company standards and regulatory requirements. The role emphasizes structured problem solving, data-driven decision making, and hands-on technical support across production, quality, maintenance, and engineering.