Production Engineer: Process Optimization & Technical Lead

AUSTIN POWDER COMPANY; Red Diamond (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder seeks a Production Engineer to provide technical and operational support for the PETN manufacturing process. You will report to the PETN Plant Manager and serve as the designated backup, focusing on optimizing processes, reducing variability, improving productivity, and supporting long-term growth and safety.

You will lead investigations, mentor operators, and collaborate with maintenance to resolve equipment issues while driving continuous improvement across the PETN department.

Qualifications

• Technical degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical).
• Minimum 3 years in manufacturing, chemical processing, or industrial production, explosives experience preferred.
• Experience leading continuous improvement projects and RCA.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary technical resource for PETN operations and real-time troubleshooting.
• Back up PETN Plant Manager and provide leadership during absences.
• Identify bottlenecks, quality concerns, and process inefficiencies with operators and supervisors.
• Monitor production metrics and lead continuous improvement projects.
• Develop, implement, and track process improvements for safety and capacity.
• Analyze data to identify recurring issues and corrective actions.
• Evaluate process constraints to support production execution and efficiency.
• Lead investigations of upsets, deviations, quality issues, and equipment failures.
• Collaborate with Maintenance/Reliability to address chronic issues and asset performance.
• Participate in MOC, PHA, and PSM activities; update procedures and training materials.
• Identify capital opportunities to enhance safety and efficiency; mentor operators and supervisors.
• Support budget, planning, and strategic PETN department initiatives.

Skills

Process optimization

Lean & Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

PSM/MOC familiarity

Data analysis

Excel

Power BI

Education

Engineering degree (BS/MS)

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Austin Powder seeks a Production Engineer to provide technical and operational support for the PETN manufacturing process. You will report to the PETN Plant Manager and serve as the designated backup, focusing on optimizing processes, reducing variability, improving productivity, and supporting long-term growth and safety.

You will lead investigations, mentor operators, and collaborate with maintenance to resolve equipment issues while driving continuous improvement across the PETN department.