Process Improvement Engineer

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with employer match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Short-term and long-term disability

Life insurance

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is seeking a Process Improvement Engineer to analyze workflows, design scalable processes, and optimize ERP usage with Epicor. You will bridge operations, IT, and business users to drive efficiency in engineering, manufacturing, and service across North America.

This role offers hands-on, fast-paced project exposure in a growing industrial environment. The ideal candidate has a strong background in process improvement, systems thinking, and ERP-driven

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with process improvement focus.
• Interest in ERP-driven operations and systems thinking.
• Ability to translate business processes into system-based solutions.
• Strong analytical and communication skills across functions.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support process improvement initiatives across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and field operations with a strong ERP focus.
• Analyze current-state workflows and translate them into optimized future-state processes within Epicor.
• Partner with stakeholders to gather requirements, identify gaps, and recommend ERP-driven solutions.
• Support Epicor ERP process improvements, configuration changes, testing, and user adoption.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and training materials including written guides and video walk-throughs.
• Perform root cause analysis using tools such as 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and Pareto analysis.
• Monitor KPIs and operational metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of process changes.
• Support data analysis and reporting using ERP data and related tools.
• Assist with change management, user training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide cross-functional project support as needed.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional

ERP understanding

Communication skills

Hands-on

Education

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Management Information Systems

Business Analytics

Operations Management

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Epicor

Excel

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

Python

Minitab

Job description

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. Through a fully integrated approach encompassing engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions, Innovative supports customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and mission-critical infrastructure markets throughout North America and around the world.

Unlike traditional engineering firms, contractors, or equipment suppliers, Innovative performs engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and ongoing customer support entirely in-house. This integrated model provides employees with the opportunity to support projects throughout the complete lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, installation, startup, operation, optimization, modernization, and long-term system support.

The Process Improvement Engineer is responsible for analyzing workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and designing scalable, repeatable processes with a strong emphasis on ERP system utilization. This role serves as a bridge between operations, IT, and business users, ensuring Epicor is configured, documented, and used in a way that supports operational efficiency and growth.

Key Duties

• Lead and support process improvement initiatives across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and field operations with a strong ERP focus.
• Analyze current-state workflows and translate them into optimized future-state processes within Epicor.
• Partner with stakeholders to gather requirements, identify gaps, and recommend ERP-driven solutions.
• Support Epicor ERP process improvements, configuration changes, testing, and user adoption.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and training materials including written guides and video walk-throughs.
• Perform root cause analysis using tools such as 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and Pareto analysis.
• Monitor KPIs and operational metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of process changes.
• Support data analysis and reporting using ERP data and related tools.
• Assist with change management, user training, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide cross-functional project support as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in:
  • Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
  • Management Information Systems, Business Analytics, Operations Management, or a related field.
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong interest in process improvement, systems thinking, and ERP-driven operations.
• Ability to understand business processes and translate them into system-based solutions.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-paced industrial environment.

Preferences

• Experience or coursework related to ERP systems (Epicor strongly preferred).
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, SIPOC, or similar methodologies.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, Python, or Minitab.
• Internship or professional experience in manufacturing, construction, field service, or industrial environments.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or coursework.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive base salary, we provide a comprehensive and employee-focused benefits package designed to support your financial security, health, and work-life balance:

• Generous retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 15%
• 401(k) student loan repayment match up to 15%
• Medical insurance with 75% of employee and family premiums covered by the company
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Weekly pay
• Competitive paid vacation and holiday time
• Paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave
• Employee referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programs
• Access to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible services