Process & Equipment Optimization Engineer

Daniels Health; Walton (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Daniels Health is seeking a Process Engineer to optimize complex medical waste treatment systems across a hybrid role with 25% travel and 50% on-site work at our facilities in the United States. You will lead improvements to autoclaves, boilers, and conveyors while developing standardized control strategies and data structures.

The role requires 5+ years in process engineering or automation, PLC/HMI programming, and experience with data acquisition and IIoT technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
• 5+ years in process engineering, industrial automation, or control system integration
• Experience with autoclaves, pressure vessels, or steam boiler systems (preferred)
• Proficiency in PLC/HMI programming
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, IIoT technology, and industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC)
• Strong understanding of tooling/fixture design
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar design tools
• Ability to travel 25%
• Ability to work on site 50% of the time at one of our facilities

Responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve medical waste treatment processes and equipment, including autoclaves, boilers, shredders, conveyors, and supporting systems
• Analyze process performance to identify bottlenecks, downtime drivers, and opportunities for mechanical, controls, or automation improvements
• Design and optimize facility layouts to enhance material flow and reduce handling or waste
• Support equipment startups, commissioning, validation, and post-installation optimization at facilities across North America
• Develop and standardize process control strategies, SOPs, documentation, and data structures across the network
• Enhance and maintain industrial control systems (PLC/HMI) and data acquisition tools to ensure safe, reliable, and measurable operations
• Build and support real-time monitoring, alarms, reporting, and dashboard systems that improve operational visibility
• Use operational and equipment data to conduct root‑cause analyses and drive continuous improvement initiatives with operations and maintenance teams

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

PLC programming

HMI programming

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Data acquisition systems

IIoT technology

EtherNet/IP

Modbus

OPC

Job description

At Daniels Health, we are passionate about creating safer, more sustainable medical waste management solutions that protect people and the planet. As we continue to grow and innovate across our treatment facilities, we are looking for a Process Engineer who thrives on optimizing complex systems and driving meaningful operational improvements. This role will be be hybrid, working out of one of our facilities with 25% travel to our plants across the United States.

If you love diving into data, improving industrial processes, and partnering with cross‑functional teams to make an impact, this role is for you.

At Daniels Health, we are passionate about creating safer, more sustainable medical waste management solutions that protect people and the planet. As we continue to grow and innovate across our treatment facilities, we are looking for a Process Engineer who thrives on optimizing complex systems and driving meaningful operational improvements. This role will be be hybrid, working out of one of our facilities with 25% travel to our plants across the United States.

If you love diving into data, improving industrial processes, and partnering with cross‑functional teams to make an impact, this role is for you.

What you will do

• Own and continuously improve medical waste treatment processes and equipment, including autoclaves, boilers, shredders, conveyors, and supporting systems
• Analyze process performance to identify bottlenecks, downtime drivers, and opportunities for mechanical, controls, or automation improvements
• Design and optimize facility layouts to enhance material flow and reduce handling or waste
• Support equipment startups, commissioning, validation, and post‑installation optimization at facilities across North America
• Develop and standardize process control strategies, SOPs, documentation, and data structures across the network
• Enhance and maintain industrial control systems (PLC/HMI) and data acquisition tools to ensure safe, reliable, and measurable operations
• Build and support real‑time monitoring, alarms, reporting, and dashboard systems that improve operational visibility
• Use operational and equipment data to conduct root‑cause analyses and drive continuous improvement initiatives with operations and maintenance teams

What we are looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
• 5+ years in process engineering, industrial automation, or control system integration
• Experience with autoclaves, pressure vessels, or steam boiler systems (preferred)
• Proficiency in PLC/HMI programming
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, IIoT technology, and industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC)
• Strong understanding of tooling/fixture design
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar design tools
• Ability to travel 25%
• Ability to work on site 50% of the time at one of our facilities

Why work for us

• Job stability– As an essential service to healthcare, Daniels Health offers year-round, recession-proof employment
• Comprehensive benefits– Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starts on Day One; plus paid short-term disability, company-sponsored life insurance, and optional accident and long-term disability plans
• Safety-first culture– We go above and beyond standard PPE protocols to ensure your safety when handling medical waste
• Supportive environment– Be part of a mission-driven team that values your contribution and invests in your growth
• Opportunities for growth - We offer the ability to advance your career across operations, engineering, and leadership as our North American footprint expands

With over 39 years of industry leadership, Daniels Health is privately owned and committed to reinvesting in its people and infrastructure. You’ll be part of a team that values authenticity, encourages entrepreneurial thinking, and supports career growth.

If you're looking for a stable, mission-driven role where your leadership makes a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. At Daniels Health, you’ll be part of a team that values safety, innovation, and people.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.