Manufacturing Engineer - Nekoosa - $10,000 Sign on bonus

M2S Group•Nekoosa, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Nekoosa Process Engineer Drive process efficiency and operational excellence by leading and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives across the organization. Support a culture of safety, standardization, and data-driven decision-making to deliver measurable cost reductions, reduce waste, improve equipment performance, and strengthen quality systems through effective cross-functional collaboration. Organizational Development – 20% Safety & Standardization: Integrate safety considerations into all improvement initiatives while developing and sustaining standard work that ensures consistent, safe, and efficient operations. Continuous Improvement Culture: Strengthen a culture of continuous improvement by embedding data-driven problem-solving, visual management, and structured CI practices into daily operations. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Technology to drive adoption and sustain productivity improvements through clear communication, training, and performance tracking. Manufacturing Process Excellence – 60% Operational Performance & Cost Impact: Deliver measurable cost savings exceeding $300K annually by improving machine reliability, streamlining changeovers, reducing scrap, and implementing process improvements across coater and sheeting operations. Production Performance & Process Optimization: Drive manufacturing operations to exceed machine performance targets by enhancing efficiency, reducing scrap, and increasing throughput. Provide technical guidance to implement new processes, optimize existing operations, and support new product introductions while maintaining high product quality and customer satisfaction. Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving : Lead process improvement initiatives by analyzing operational gaps, applying data-driven solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to sustain efficiency gains, standardize best practices, and drive operational excellence. Continuous Improvement Tracking & Pipeline Management : Track and report the effectiveness of implemented process improvements, manage a CI project pipeline exceeding $750K to prioritize and monitor initiatives, identify further optimization opportunities, and ensure sustained operational gains. Operational Metrics and Project Leadership – 20% Performance Metrics & Team Engagement: Champion team understanding of key KPIs (safety, productivity, scrap rate, throughput, changeover times) through dashboards, visual aids, hands-on training, and daily team huddles. Leverage real-time data to guide decisions, support cross-functional collaboration, and implement process enhancements while engaging, mentoring, and developing the team. Project Execution: Complete all assigned projects on budget, on time, and deliver expected payback while complying with safety policies and company regulations. Best Practice Sharing: Facilitate the dissemination of successful process improvements and operational practices across teams, shifts, and sites to drive consistent performance and accelerate continuous improvement adoption.

Requirements

Degree in engineering (Paper Science, Chemistry, Mechanical, Industrial), manufacturing, and/or a related technical field.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated exposure to Lean Manufacturing principles.
Demonstrated leadership ability to guide teams, influence outcomes, and drive results in a manufacturing environment.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with data-driven approach to continuous improvement.
Meticulous attention to detail to ensure consistent quality and compliance across all production processes.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effectively interacting with team members, suppliers, and senior management.
Ability to quickly adapt processes to meet changing demands and production requirements.
Proficiency with operational software, statistical tools (e.g. Minitab) and root cause analysis techniques.
Strong computer skills, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Excel is essential).
Ability to lead cross functional teams through the CI process using tools such as 8D, Kaizen, 5 Whys, DMAIC, FMEA.

Nice To Haves

The travel requirements of this position are up to 10%.

Responsibilities

Lead and sustain continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.
Integrate safety considerations into all improvement initiatives.
Develop and sustain standard work that ensures consistent, safe, and efficient operations.
Strengthen a culture of continuous improvement by embedding data-driven problem-solving, visual management, and structured CI practices into daily operations.
Partner effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Technology to drive adoption and sustain productivity improvements.
Deliver measurable cost savings exceeding $300K annually by improving machine reliability, streamlining changeovers, reducing scrap, and implementing process improvements.
Drive manufacturing operations to exceed machine performance targets by enhancing efficiency, reducing scrap, and increasing throughput.
Provide technical guidance to implement new processes, optimize existing operations, and support new product introductions.
Lead process improvement initiatives by analyzing operational gaps, applying data-driven solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Track and report the effectiveness of implemented process improvements.
Manage a CI project pipeline exceeding $750K to prioritize and monitor initiatives.
Champion team understanding of key KPIs (safety, productivity, scrap rate, throughput, changeover times) through dashboards, visual aids, hands-on training, and daily team huddles.
Leverage real-time data to guide decisions, support cross-functional collaboration, and implement process enhancements.
Engage, mentor, and develop the team.
Complete all assigned projects on budget, on time, and deliver expected payback while complying with safety policies and company regulations.
Facilitate the dissemination of successful process improvements and operational practices across teams, shifts, and sites.

Benefits

Relocation assistance available
Low cost of living + stable manufacturing environment
Hands-on engineering leadership opportunity
High visibility role with direct plant impact
Competitive medical, dental, life, AD&D, and vision insurance plans.
Generous annual time off allotment, including vacation (based on company service), parental leave, paid volunteer time, sick or emergency time, and 12 holidays.
Tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250 per year)
Scholarships for dependents
Monthly cell phone reimbursement
Annual steel toe and prescription safety glasses reimbursement.
401(k)
Employee Assistance Program (available to employees and their families)
Annual bonus program
Referral bonus program (up to $1,750)
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LTD