Chemical Engineer in Training

Fxi - Spencerville, OH

Full-time - Entry Level

Spencerville, OH

Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing

About the position

As a Chemical Engineer in Training at FXI, you will be an integral part of the foam pouring management team at our Spencerville plant. This role is designed for career growth, allowing you to learn all aspects of the foam pouring process while ensuring that safety, production, and quality standards are consistently met. You will provide analytical support for process improvements and will be expected to understand and resolve both mechanical and chemical issues that may arise during foam production. Effective root cause analysis will be a critical skill in this position, enabling you to identify and address production challenges efficiently. In addition to your technical responsibilities, you will supervise and motivate a team of 5-8 hourly crew members to meet daily production requirements. This role requires a commitment to safety as the number one priority in all activities within the Pourline department. You will oversee Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) activities and monitor daily foam production, adjusting formulas as necessary to maintain product specifications. You will also participate in HR-related activities, including appraisals and disciplinary actions, alongside the Technical Manager or Pourline Manager. As part of your development, you will conduct trials to develop new and improved manufacturing processes and foam formulations. You will provide analytical expertise for process improvements and utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Statistical Quality Control (SQC) methodologies. Troubleshooting equipment problems and solving process issues will be part of your daily tasks, as will directing and facilitating continuous improvement teams and training. You will also oversee inventory control and the ordering of chemicals and raw materials, ensuring that all pour line functions are managed effectively using SAP. This position is not just a job; it is a stepping stone towards becoming a Pour Line Manager and eventually a Technical Manager. The successful candidate should be open to relocating to another plant in the future as part of their career progression.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that safety is the number one priority in all Pourline department activities and that all safety procedures are followed by all members of the Pourline team.
• Oversee EH&S activities for the pouring department.
• Monitor daily foam production and supervise the pour line hourly workforce as part of the training process.
• Adjust formulas as needed to maintain product within specifications.
• Manage the line in the absence of the Technical or Pour Line Manager.
• Participate in all pour line HR related activities such as appraisals and disciplinary activities.
• Conduct trials to develop new and improved manufacturing processes and foam formulations.
• Provide analytical expertise for process improvements and SPC/SQC.
• Troubleshoot equipment problems and solve process issues.
• Direct/facilitate continuous improvement teams and training.
• Oversee inventory control and ordering of chemicals/raw materials.
• Handle all pour line functions in SAP.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• 0-2 years previous experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Task-oriented individual able to perform in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of SPC/SQC and RCA (Root Cause Analysis).
• Completion of a 40-hour HAZWOPER training to understand proper procedures for safe handling of hazardous and non-hazardous waste is expected.
• Planning/organization, analytical, and strong problem-solving skills are essential.
• Basic mechanical and electrical aptitude to facilitate troubleshooting foam making problems.
• Previous foam production experience is a plus.
• Proficient computer skills including Word, Excel & PowerPoint; Minitab proficiency is a plus.
• Experience using SAP or similar ERP system is a definite plus.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are required.
• Must be self-directed and able to lead/facilitate diverse work teams.
• Ability to positively interact with others in the plant in a team environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous foam production experience is a plus.
• Minitab proficiency is a plus.
• Experience using SAP or similar ERP system is a definite plus.