Lead Engineer - Mechanical

Kimberly-Clark • Neenah, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

You’re not the person who will settle for just any role. Neither are we. Because we’re out to create Better Care for a Better World, and that takes a certain kind of person and teams who care about making a difference. Here, you’ll bring your professional expertise, talent, and drive to building and managing our portfolio of iconic, ground-breaking brands. In this role, you’ll help us deliver better care for billions of people around the world. It starts with YOU. The Lead Mechanical Engineer role will provide leadership and creativity in the design, development, optimization, problem solving, and operation of assigned assets & supporting processes in a manner that meets safety and operational performance expectations. This position will focus on driving continuous improvement, reducing obsolescence, and improving reliability for the assets they support. In this role, you will: Develop and deliver equipment and processes that meet safety requirements, policies, and guidelines. Provides for the safety and well-being of operators, maintenance, and other personnel. Manage multiple medium-to-large initiatives to deliver improvements to asset performance or plant systems; lead major initiatives for breakthrough improvements, solving higher level problems for the plant Identify cost savings opportunities and manage expense spending to asset budget; Develop knowledge and skills in leadership of the application of engineering principles, scientific analysis, LEAN principles, and project management. Seeks, recognizes, defines, and solves complex technical issues to root cause to achieve objectives. Participates in the development of others within the area of the incumbent's expertise, including the creation of knowledge transfer documentation materials. Support maintenance personnel when troubleshooting complex issues; Identify and document issues and opportunities with existing equipment; Lead a safety work team and partner with maintenance on reliability projects Assist in developing and managing strategic obsolescence replacement plan and with trial planning and trial preparation Support assets using engineering knowledge, including being on-call and potential shift coverage Provide input to plant expense and capital plans; Provide input to capital teams so proposed changes are in-line with the 5-year vision. Involved with early design, technology, equipment selection, sizing, location, etc. Oversight and support during installation and commissioning. Liaison with utilities/facilities teams so impact of operational changes is understood, and solutions are in place when needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s (or advanced) degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of experience in high‑speed consumer product manufacturing, including plant, staff, or capital project roles.
• Strong technical expertise in high‑speed manufacturing equipment and processes (tissue/converting experience preferred), including startups, maintenance, utilities, asset support, and work with external technical service providers.
• Proven capability in project management and technical execution, including process development, troubleshooting, design for reliability, and lean manufacturing / continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality, with experience operating in regulated environments (FDA or similar) and serving as a safety and quality champion.
• Experience supporting 24/7 manufacturing operations, including exposure to maintenance and process roles, spare parts and inventory management, and vendor/third‑party relationship management.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with up to 15% travel
• strong analytical skills (Power BI or similar tools preferred) and experience with rapid prototyping or 3D printing a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver equipment and processes that meet safety requirements, policies, and guidelines.
• Provides for the safety and well-being of operators, maintenance, and other personnel.
• Manage multiple medium-to-large initiatives to deliver improvements to asset performance or plant systems; lead major initiatives for breakthrough improvements, solving higher level problems for the plant
• Identify cost savings opportunities and manage expense spending to asset budget
• Develop knowledge and skills in leadership of the application of engineering principles, scientific analysis, LEAN principles, and project management.
• Seeks, recognizes, defines, and solves complex technical issues to root cause to achieve objectives.
• Participates in the development of others within the area of the incumbent's expertise, including the creation of knowledge transfer documentation materials.
• Support maintenance personnel when troubleshooting complex issues
• Identify and document issues and opportunities with existing equipment
• Lead a safety work team and partner with maintenance on reliability projects
• Assist in developing and managing strategic obsolescence replacement plan and with trial planning and trial preparation
• Support assets using engineering knowledge, including being on-call and potential shift coverage
• Provide input to plant expense and capital plans
• Provide input to capital teams so proposed changes are in-line with the 5-year vision. Involved with early design, technology, equipment selection, sizing, location, etc.
• Oversight and support during installation and commissioning.
• Liaison with utilities/facilities teams so impact of operational changes is understood, and solutions are in place when needed.

Benefits

• Great support for good health with medical, dental, and vision coverage options with no waiting periods or pre-existing condition restrictions.
• Access to an on-site fitness center, occupational health nurse, and allowances for high-quality safety equipment.
• Flexible Savings and spending accounts to maximize health care options and stretch dollars when caring for yourself or dependents.
• Diverse income protection insurance options to protect yourself and your family in case of illness, injury, or other unexpected events.
• Additional programs and support to continue your education, adopt a child, relocate, or even find temporary childcare.
• Along with base pay, this position offers eligibility for a target bonus and a comprehensive benefits suite, including our 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level