PROCESS ENGINEER

Kruger Products L.P. - Memphis, TN

Full-time - Mid Level

Memphis, TN

Paper Manufacturing

About the position

The Process Engineer position at Kruger Products in Memphis, TN, is a critical engineering role that focuses on enhancing manufacturing processes within the organization. This position requires close collaboration with operational leaders and fellow process engineers to identify operational issues and opportunities for improvement. The Process Engineer will also work alongside Maintenance and Operating Technicians to troubleshoot problems, perform maintenance, and engage in project work. In this role, the Process Engineer will lead the design, development, installation, and optimization of manufacturing processes. This includes implementing process improvements aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing product quality. The Process Engineer will ensure that processes transition smoothly from development to production, which is vital for maintaining operational continuity. Additionally, the role involves developing and maintaining comprehensive process documentation, including standard operating procedures and process flow diagrams. The Process Engineer will be responsible for conducting root cause analyses and implementing corrective actions to resolve any process-related issues. This includes ownership of raw material and chemical inventories, as well as quality standards and product specifications. The role also entails leading investigations and responses to customer complaints, developing and leading machine trials, and managing department and engineering projects that align with key business initiatives. The Process Engineer will work with cross-functional teams to drive short-term improvement efforts and coordinate plant process trials involving new procedures, equipment, and chemicals. Furthermore, the Process Engineer will champion the use of IT-based systems to monitor and report on environmental, operational, and quality parameters, providing technical support to shift supervisors and hourly employees. A commitment to environmental policies is essential, as every employee is responsible for adhering to legal and corporate environmental requirements and reporting any incidents or potential hazards.

Responsibilities

• Leads the design, development, installation, and optimization of manufacturing processes.
• Implements process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Works with Operations to ensure smooth transfer of processes from development to production.
• Develops and maintains process documentation, including standard operating procedures and process flow diagrams.
• Performs root cause analysis and implements corrective actions to resolve process issues.
• Takes ownership of raw material, chemical, and raw material inventories.
• Ensures adherence to quality standards and product specifications.
• Leads investigations and responses to customer complaints.
• Develops and leads machine trials involving machinery, chemicals, and energy.
• Leads department and engineering projects impacting key business initiatives.
• Works with operations team to improve production rates, efficiencies, yields, and costs.
• Leads cross-functional teams for short-term improvement efforts.
• Coordinates plant process trials involving new procedures, process conditions, equipment, and chemicals.
• Creates and manages process documentation.
• Champions the use of area IT-based systems (i.e., PI, Proficy, Cognex).
• Monitors and reports on daily environmental, operating, and quality parameters.
• Provides technical support to shift supervisors and hourly employees.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Science, or related field.
• 3-5 years experience in a Process Engineer role (or similar) in the paper or paper-related field, preferably with tissue manufacturing experience.
• Experience working in a union environment preferred.
• Ability to be self-directed and exhibit safety leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership focused on accountability and results.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
• Strong communication skills and excellent organization and follow-up skills.
• Trustworthy and able to handle confidentiality.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Key competencies include ethics & integrity, quality orientation, creative & innovative thinking, problem solving, research & analysis, teamwork, time management, development & continual learning, accountability & dependability, decision making & judgment, planning & organizing, and communication.