Manufacturing Process Engineer - Sturgis, MI Plant

Abbott • Sturgis, MI

1d • $61,300 - $122,700 • Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Process Engineer works at Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan plant, supporting powder packaging equipment and powder handling across plant operations. The role implements and maintains plant equipment, systems, and fixed assets to high standards of safety, quality, productivity, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.

The engineer provides technical support for manufacturing operations, engineering, and Quality Assurance. Work includes introducing manufacturing methods and products, starting up and optimizing equipment, evaluating process alternatives and vendors, monitoring production, training plant personnel, and creating and executing validation activities. The position also designs process systems, prepares and maintains equipment and process documentation, and researches and qualifies replacement parts for obsolete equipment.

The role identifies and implements cost-reduction and productivity-improvement projects, manages capital projects, and monitors equipment reliability and performance data. It coordinates engineering work with project teams, plant departments, designers, R&D, and corporate and division engineering, while supporting compliance with FDA, OSHA, Abbott policies, GMP standards, engineering standards, and environmental health and safety requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent applicable experience.
• At least 2 years of engineering, manufacturing, project management, or related experience.
• AutoCAD experience.
• Experience creating and evaluating Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), P&IDs, and sanitary equipment designs.
• Experience managing projects from concept through implementation, including budget and schedule management.
• Experience designing and improving manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment, process systems, and engineering principles.
• Ability to analyze equipment and process performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Understanding of automation technologies used to improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Working knowledge of engineering concepts, practices, procedures, and technical problem-solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and project coordination abilities.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and external partners.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound technical decisions within established procedures.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience in FDA-regulated industries such as food, nutrition, pharmaceutical, or medical manufacturing.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to infant formula and nutrition products.
• Experience implementing new manufacturing technologies and process improvements.
• Experience with equipment validation and change control processes.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
• Experience with manufacturing automation systems and controls.
• Experience supporting powder packaging and powder handling equipment.
• Experience qualifying replacement parts and managing equipment obsolescence projects.

Responsibilities

• Implement and maintain plant equipment, systems, and fixed assets to support safety, quality, productivity, cost, and regulatory compliance.
• Provide powder packaging equipment and powder handling support across plant operations.
• Maintain and update reliability metrics, reports, and documentation.
• Monitor and analyze equipment performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop technical approaches to complex engineering and manufacturing problems.
• Plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate engineering work for project phases or projects of moderate scope.
• Facilitate project-scope definition with clients and apply new technology where feasible.
• Direct the efforts of technicians and outside resources, and coordinate with project team members, department managers, designers, R&D, and corporate and division engineering.
• Prepare project documents such as RCEs, VCRs, and scope documents, and manage capital projects.
• Provide technical support to the plant, division engineering, and Quality Assurance for powder packaging and handling, new product introductions, equipment startups, equipment optimization, vendor qualifications, and process alternative evaluations.
• Implement new or current manufacturing methods and monitor production to identify improvements and address unforeseen manufacturing issues.
• Provide technical training to plant personnel, including engineers, equipment operators, electricians, instrument technicians, and maintenance personnel.
• Create and execute validation activities according to plant and division policy.
• Design process systems using suitable technologies and complying with Abbott policies, regulatory requirements, GMP standards, Abbott Engineering Standards, and environmental health and safety regulations.
• Create equipment and process specifications, drawings, and procedures, and maintain accurate and appropriate existing documentation.
• Research, recommend, implement, and qualify replacement parts for discontinued or obsolete components and equipment.
• Identify and implement cost-reduction and productivity-improvement projects, including process improvements, new manufacturing processes, and new technologies.
• Support Environmental Health and Safety performance and compliance through active participation in Abbott’s EHS program.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with medical benefits starting on day one.
• Wellness and occupational health programs.
• 120 hours of accrued vacation in the first year, prorated, plus a vacation-buy program, 3 personal days, and 10 paid holidays.
• Retiree healthcare program.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match.
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and the FreeU education benefit.
• Competitive compensation and incentives.
• Free coverage in the HIP PPO medical plan in the next calendar year for participants who complete a short wellness assessment.

What This Job Offers

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