Process Improvement Engineer

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Weekly pay

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Jury duty leave

Referral program

Career development

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is seeking a Process Improvement Engineer to analyze workflows, design scalable ERP-driven processes, and ensure Epicor is configured and used to support efficiency.

You will bridge operations, IT, and business users, leading cross-functional process improvements across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain. This role emphasizes documentation, training, and continuous improvement, empowering you to measure KPIs, drive change, and deliver lasting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering or related field; MIS/Analytics acceptable.
• Strong interest in process improvement, systems thinking, and ERP-driven operations.
• Ability to translate business processes into system-based solutions.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Comfortable in a hands-on, fast-paced industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support process improvement initiatives with a focus on ERP (Epicor).
• Analyze current-state workflows and design optimized future-state processes in Epicor.
• Gather requirements, identify gaps, and recommend ERP-driven solutions.
• Support Epicor configuration, testing, and user adoption.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, SOPs, and training materials.
• Perform root cause analysis using 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and Pareto analysis.
• Monitor KPIs to evaluate impact of changes.
• Assist with data analysis and reporting using ERP data.
• Provide change management and training support.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional communication

ERP knowledge

Process improvement

Attention to detail

Education

Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Management Information Systems

Business Analytics

Operations Management

Tools

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.

Job Role:

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