Product Processing Engineer

North American Stainless; Ghent (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

North American Stainless seeks a Product Processing Engineer to diagnose and solve non-routine processing challenges at our Kentucky facilities. You will deploy directly into production to reinvent systems, remove bottlenecks, and design innovative processing strategies for operational excellence.

The role emphasizes RCA, data-driven modeling, and cross-functional leadership to align field solutions with corporate engineering standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or Systems Engineering.
• MS in Engineering Management or related field is a plus.
• 5-8 years of experience in heavy industrial, milling, or high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency in diagnostic methodologies like Six Sigma, 5 Why, Fishbone diagrams, or FMEA.

Responsibilities

• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) on critical processing failures and unique situations.
• Develop and implement first-of-their-kind engineering workflows to improve yield, quality, and speed.
• Use data-driven models to predict equipment fatigue or process deviations before downtime.

Skills

RCA Mastery

Six Sigma Black Belt

5 Whys

Ishikawa (Fishbone)

FMEA

Industrial Experience (5-8 years)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or Systems Engineering

MS in Engineering Management or related field (plus)

Job description

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Product Processing Engineer is a high-impact, strategic role designed for analytical innovators who thrive in high-stakes industrial environments. Functioning as part of an elite engineering "strike team," you will be deployed directly into production facilities to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve complex technical challenges. Unlike traditional maintenance or plant roles, this position focuses on unique, non-routine situations. You will be expected to look beyond immediate symptoms to reinvent systems, eliminate deep‑seeded bottlenecks, and design innovative processing strategies that ensure operational excellence

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Rapid Deployment & Troubleshooting: Travel to various mill locations to lead root cause analysis (RCA) on critical processing failures and "unique situations" that standard maintenance teams cannot resolve.
2. Strategic Innovation: Develop and implement first-of-their-kind engineering workflows to improve product yield, quality, and processing speed.
3. Analytical Modeling: Utilize data-driven models to predict equipment fatigue or process deviations before they result in downtime.
4. Cross‑Functional Leadership: Act as the technical liaison between corporate engineering strategy and on‑site mill operations, ensuring local solutions align with global standards.
5. Process Documentation: Create "Playbooks" for unique scenarios encountered in the field to build a knowledge base for future deployments.

SUPPLEMENTAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Other duties as assigned
2. Participation in relevant continuous improvement programs
3. Set appropriate performance management expectations for direct reports
4. Lead by example
5. Encourage, and assist in sustaining correct behaviors
6. Incorporate, facilitate, and embrace change
7. Be receptive, and provide adequate feedback for developmental purposes

MINIMUM EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree: Required in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or Systems Engineering.
• Master's Degree: An MS in Engineering Management or a specialized technical field is a plus, as it demonstrates the "Strategic Engineer" mindset you are looking for.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Mastery: Advanced proficiency in diagnostic methodologies like Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams, or FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
• Industrial Exposure: 5-8 years of experience in a heavy industrial, milling, or high-volume manufacturing environment.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Mobility in plant
• While performing the duties of (this job), the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, etc.
• The employee is frequently required to make use of their hands for technical tasks
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Visual ability with or without correction
• Communication abilities

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

1. Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations
2. Comply with company safety rules, policies, procedures, as well as job specific work instructions and JSAs.
3. Report the absence of or defect in any personal protective equipment or clothing to the Supervisor or Manager immediately
4. Use and wear the personal protective equipment, protective devices and clothing that is required. The following is the minimum:
1. Metatarsal boots
2. Safety glasses
3. Hearing protection
4. Hard Hat
5. Respirators; the respirator requires you to be clean shaven in order to comply with company policies and procedures as well as OSHA Regulations.
6. Fire Retardant clothing
7. Acid PPE
5. Report to the Safety Coordinator, Group Lead or Supervisor any contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations or Company policies or procedures
6. Must follow all Lockout Tag out (LOTO) guidelines for designated equipment and machinery
7. Must follow all Environmental Policies and Regulations
8. Maintain a clean and safe work area

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

1. Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations
2. Clean, well ventilated and safe work areas.

HUMAN RESOURCES:

1. Abiding by the Acerinox Code of Conduct
2. Keeping oneself informed through your company email account
3. Maintaining your Dynamic Policy Profile and all assigned learnings therein
4. Abiding by all security procedures
5. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills
6. Must be able to learn, adapt, and retain information
7. Must have strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills