Production Engineer II

Padagis; Minnesota; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Padagis in Minneapolis, MN seeks an experienced Production Engineer focused on Continuous Improvement to lead large‑scale process improvements across the manufacturing network.

You will mentor junior engineers, implement Lean Six Sigma, and collaborate with R&D and production teams to drive efficiency while maintaining GMP and FDA compliance. This role emphasizes strategic cost savings, KPI tracking, and complex project management to achieve operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (mechanical, chemical, industrial or electrical).
• Five or more years in a production/manufacturing environment.
• Subject‑matter expert on manufacturing equipment.
• Strong track record leading complex, high‑impact projects.
• Excellent problem‑solving, decision‑making and leadership skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Proficiency in Excel, SAP and statistical analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic process improvement initiatives across the manufacturing network.
• Develop SOPs, Master Batch Records, and Operations Manuals.
• Mentor junior engineers and support long‑term operational strategies.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and document measurable outcomes.
• Maintain GMP and FDA compliance and support audits.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Project management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Mentorship

Statistical analysis

Excel

SAP

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Excel

SAP

Statistical software

Design of Experiments (DOE)

Job description

Padagis MN, 3940 Quebec Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55427, USA

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Production Engineer with a strong focus on Continuous Improvement to join our team in New Hope, MN. In this role, you will drive large‑scale, strategic process improvement initiatives across the manufacturing network. This position involves leading cross‑functional teams, advising on advanced engineering problems, and shaping broader organizational goals. Level‑2 engineers are responsible for designing and executing high‑impact projects, mentoring lower‑level engineering staff, and contributing to long‑term operational strategies.

Job Duties

Strategic Process Improvement Leadership

• Identify and analyze process inefficiencies in the production of bottled liquids, tablets, suppositories, and tubed products.
• Develop SOPs, Master Batch Records, and Operations Manuals to drive best practices across manufacturing lines.
• Participate in structured training programs focused on pharmaceutical production, lean tools, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Lead large and complex continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and KPIs.
• Drive long‑term operational improvements by identifying systemic inefficiencies and applying cutting‑edge engineering and lean techniques.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and implement overarching strategies for operational excellence.
• Utilize advanced tools such as Statistical Process Control, Design of Experiments, and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis to solve complex manufacturing challenges.
• Identify and execute cost‑saving initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce waste, documenting measurable outcomes.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma tools, introducing new methodologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Cross‑Functional Leadership and Mentorship

• Mentor and coach junior engineers, ensuring skill development and long‑term professional growth.
• Act as a key resource for problem‑solving and decision‑making, working alongside managers and department heads.

Innovation and Technology Integration

• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, automation solutions, and best practices to enhance production efficiency.
• Collaborate with R&D and engineering departments to implement process innovations and scalable solutions for existing and new product lines.

KPI Tracking and Reporting

• Monitor, analyze, and report operational performance metrics to senior leadership.
• Develop dashboards and tools to track progress against organizational goals, including cost savings, quality improvements, and production efficiency milestones.

Project Management

• Work with multidisciplinary teams to execute high‑complexity medium to large‑scale improvement projects.
• Track the progress and ensure timely delivery of assigned workstreams.
• Measure results and provide cost‑benefit analysis of improvement initiatives.

Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices, FDA standards, and other applicable regulations.
• Ensure accurate documentation of process adjustments, deviations, and corrective actions as required.
• Lead efforts to improve documentation and SOP adherence.
• Support audits and regulatory inspections by presenting and explaining findings and implemented improvements.
• Ensure all collected and reported data complies with GMP and FDA regulatory standards.
• Complete assigned documentation tasks related to corrective actions, process changes, and improvement logs.

Production Support

• Collaborate with production teams to troubleshoot and resolve process‑related issues in manufacturing.
• Assist in ensuring that all production lines meet quality, regulatory, and safety standards.
• Play an active role in reducing downtime, waste, and variation in processes while maintaining product quality.
• Engage with on‑floor production teams to understand day‑to‑day challenges and provide input to improve efficiencies on a basic level.
• Provide SME guidance to set‑up technicians and assist with training and troubleshooting activities in manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (mechanical, chemical, industrial, electrical) or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Subject‑matter expert on manufacturing equipment.
• Strong track record of leading complex, high‑impact projects.
• Demonstrated strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in productivity tools (Excel, SAP, statistical analysis tools, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Production or manufacturing experience in pharmaceutical industry.
• Certification in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green Belt or equivalent).

Core Competencies

• Service delivery – Understand internal and external customers, identify their needs, and deliver value above expectations.
• Active collaboration – Seek opportunities to work together across teams, business units, and geographies.
• Demonstrate agility – Proactively identify changes in our environment and act quickly.
• Think differently – Create, develop, and implement new ideas, products, or processes that improve existing ones.
• Excellent execution – Achieve outstanding results in all aspects of the organization.

Travel Required

Yes. Periodic domestic and international travel may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.