Process Improvement Engineer, Continuous Improvement Engineer

Barnhardt Manufacturing Company•Charlotte, NC

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

This job is responsible for understanding the current process state, identifying efficiency/improvement opportunities, then leading cross-functional team members to drive process improvements tied to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the business using continuous improvement processes, methods and tools. This position will analyze and audit processes in order to make recommendations on equipment design, safety, quality, cost, waste reduction, process reliability, efficiency, environmental impact & compliance, and energy reductions and the like.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field from four-year college or university; and over 2 years up to and including 4 years’ manufacturing experience.
Significant experience applying/implementing Lean, TOC, Six Sigma or other TQM process improvement methodologies required.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Ability to write articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.
Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulae, scientific equations, graphs, etc.,) in its most difficult phases.
Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
Proficiency in the use of: Microsoft Office Suite products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software; Manufacturing software.
Effective motivator who can engage a diverse group of associates (operators to directors) in the problem solving process.
High level of competency in obtaining, analyzing, applying and presenting data to educate and influence, leveraging tools such as databases, spreadsheets and other business systems and software.
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours and shifts if requested, including weekends and nights to support the business.
Experience in textiles, specifically process engineering relating to blow room, cleaning, carding equipment and filtration.
Experience in team development, able to train maintenance & operators.
The job requires that the person be able to independently lift or exert the amount of force or weight within the frequency specified below: Up to 10 pounds X, Up to 25 pounds X, Up to 50 pounds X, Up to 100 pounds X, More than 100 pounds X.
This job performs Medium Work. It requires the exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
This job requires normal or corrected vision to be performed successfully.
The employee must wear the prescribed personal protective equipment at all times while performing the duties of this job, and as specified or designated in production or warehouse areas.

Nice To Haves

Experience in textiles, specifically process engineering relating to blow room, cleaning, carding equipment and filtration.

Responsibilities

Abide by, enforce and participate fully in the implementation and ongoing oversight of all company safety standards and regulations.
Provide input into the development of manufacturing strategy by defining the current condition of the manufacturing operations to identify opportunities and create a target condition, with action plans to improve operational and financial results.
Improve, develop, and implement production/processing methods and controls to reduce cost and elevate quality standards in a safe and cost effective manner by having a thorough understanding of all factors and conditions that impact the processes and products, including safety and environmental impacts. Provide troubleshooting, problem analysis and technical support to the plant as requested. Use continuous improvement methods, techniques, and procedures such as daily management, problem solving, DMAIC, etc, to lead and facilitate continuous improvement.
Evaluate and prioritize process improvement activities by using various financial, production and labor data. Manage multiple projects with varying degrees of priorities effectively through the use of sound project management skills.
Gain support for, and facilitate the implementation of revisions to methods of operation, material handling, equipment layout, or other changes to increase production, improve standards and achieve optimum quality within the limitations of equipment.
Review and recommend equipment specifications, performance requirements, cost analysis, and proposals for integrating machinery, equipment, and tooling into the manufacturing process.
Analyze problems and implement solutions using critical thinking skills and focused improvement methods. Incorporate creative thinking into the problem solving approach to identify unique and different ways to make things better/more consistent/faster/cheaper/efficient.
Lead and coach others in determining specific measures of performance and productivity improvements. Provide training and consultative assistance for all levels of the organization.
Develop and maintain written standards, work instructions and quality check points on the production processes, and all improvements.
Liaison with relevant business units and departments in the implementation of continuous improvement processes/initiatives. Work with Training Unit for the training plan of affected employees on improvements and new methods/processes of production. Facilitate training as needed.
Communicate progress and successes within the location and within the business unit. Maintain, compile, analyze, and report metrics of improvement projects.
Recommend and assist in the establishment and implementation of environmental and safety procedures, identification and review safety issues, review safety and accident reports, and implementation of corrective action.
Provide input into the planning work assignments in accordance with worker performance, machine capacity, production schedules, or anticipated delays.