Process Engineer

RKW - North America • Franklin, KY

89d

About The Position

The Process Engineer drives continuous improvement in asset productivity and product quality through data analysis, process and material expertise, research, and structured experimentation. The role leads design of experiments (DOEs) to validate and document improvement initiatives, with success measured by reduced process variation, improved operating stability, higher first-pass yield, and lower scrap. The Process Engineer also trains and supports operators, Quality Technicians, and Production Supervisors in process-related improvements.

The position is based in Franklin, Kentucky, within Engineering, and reports to the Engineering Manager. It has approximately zero direct reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Polymer, Materials, Industrial, or Process Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of process engineering experience in film extrusion, printing, embossing, or related web conveyance and converting operations.
• Demonstrated success in process optimization, waste reduction, quality improvement, and industrial troubleshooting.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Results-oriented mindset, ability to respond to urgent operational needs, and ability to meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail in process control, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical issues clearly and drive alignment across functions.
• Ability to interact effectively with operators, maintenance, quality, production, and management teams.
• Fluent in English; additional language skills are an advantage.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and Project.
• Comfortable working with production systems, data collection tools, and reporting platforms, and able to convert production data into actionable process improvements.
• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Commitment to performing all duties safely, effectively, and compliantly.
• Must be able to travel internationally.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in hygiene film manufacturing and high-speed roll-to-roll printing and embossing.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Lean Manufacturing certification.
• SPC or statistical data analysis training.
• FMEA or DMAIC problem-solving training.
• HSE-related manufacturing training.

Responsibilities

• Drive process performance and continuous improvement initiatives to achieve established production and quality targets, using appropriate quality management tools and defined performance metrics.
• Monitor, analyze, and improve production efficiency, including throughput, scrap reduction, and equipment uptime, in line with budgeted standards and operational objectives.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and optimize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Standard Operating Conditions (SOCs) for new and existing processes, and train operators and relevant stakeholders.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve process and plant-related issues to ensure consistent operational performance, product quality, and timely delivery to customers.
• Collaborate with Research & Development, Production, Quality, and other cross-functional teams through the product development lifecycle, including plant trials, field trials, validation, and product launch activities.
• Conduct physical, analytical, and performance testing of raw materials, product samples, and competitive materials; document, interpret, and summarize results to support process optimization and product development.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional improvement projects and technical task teams focused on process enhancements, corrective actions, and rapid resolution of operational challenges.
• Maintain accurate and compliant process documentation and records, including ISO-related documentation, trial reports, change management records, and process validation files.

What This Job Offers

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