Lean Process Engineer

Position Summary:

The Lean Process Engineer develops and improves manufacturing processes by studying product and manufacturing methods. He/she will collaborate with cross-functional departments to implement sustainable process improvements. He/She will also investigate and analyze quality problems, recommending solutions and ensuring corrections are made through the CAPA process. Be a champion of continuous improvement throughout the entire manufacturing facility. In the event of absence, these job responsibilities will be covered by other employees in the “Plant Engineer” or “Plant Manager” positions.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide guidance in manufacturing processes in an industrial plant. Develops, evaluates, and improves manufacturing methods, using knowledge of the organization's processes.
• Identifies and applies manufacturing best practices in an industrial plant. Research new manufacturing technology and processing methods to improve the organization's productivity, cost, quality, and responsiveness.
• Leads the implementation of Lean manufacturing principles throughout the organization. Deploy other Lean methodologies such as the A3 Process, 6S, Kaizen events, etc.
• Act as a change agent for leading and managing continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Facilitate key projects that will improve quality, reduce costs, improve cycle time, and provide the optimum benefits to customers and the business through waste reduction.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement (Lean manufacturing) principles to enhance work processes and output which leads to significant cost savings, improved customer service, improved quality, and improved safety for the organization.
• Build a continuous improvement culture and drive change throughout the organization. Train all employees in the basics of lean manufacturing and train production teams in lean manufacturing initiatives such as Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, Takt Time Analysis, and Kaizen.
• Develop Value Stream Maps for all production departments / assets. Identify waste within those processes and propose actions necessary to reduce / eliminate waste. Prioritize by return on investment.
• Enhance the Management Of Change (MOC) process and ensure strict adherence for either process or equipment changes. Provide training to key stakeholders, such as Safety, Quality, Production and/or Maintenance departments.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Production on Preventative Maintenance (PM) recommendations for optimal product quality and machine uptime. Review existing PM’s for effectiveness.
• Utilize Design Of Experiments (DOE) to identify machine setup parameters that product consistency and throughput, conferring with machine vendors where necessary to understand the machine capability limits.
• Capture best practice machine setup parameters, database and deploy as Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for each item type + asset.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning work flow, space requirements, and equipment layout.
• Ensure that all responsibilities and functions performed are in accordance with company procedures and meet quality standards in place. Participate in quality programs and stay updated on changes and standards within the systems.
• Assist with training less experienced engineers as needed.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Perform other duties which may be assigned as part of the essential functions of the position.
• Be Safe! Encourage all employees to engage in safe working behaviors.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years’ experience in manufacturing, preferably in a food manufacturing industry.
• Strong analytical skills, excellent problem-solving mindset.
• Able to read and understand work instructions and accept verbal direction to successfully complete procedures and assigned tasks.
• A minimum certification of Lean green belt.
• Good verbal and written communication skills required, and proven experience with effective teams and continuous improvement methods strongly preferred.