Process Engineer - Military veterans preferred

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Process Engineer to join our dynamic team at Petmate. The Process Engineer will play a crucial role in optimizing and improving our injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion blow molding processes to ensure the highest quality and efficiency. This position requires a deep understanding of injection molding technology, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• The primary task will be focusing on the OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiencies) of injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion blow molding equipment. Develop a plan and deliver a reduction of scrap dollars and improve overall labor efficiency with the specific zone of the plant.
• Focus on quality; Troubleshoot machine processes and tooling issues to optimize part quality and minimize inefficiency and rework.
• Develop and review process spec sheets for specific tools and products – document particular setup of molding machine parameters and TPMs (total preventative maintenance) daily, weekly, monthly, and annually.
• Participate in weekly Top 5 scrap meetings to father information to minimize scrap and improve margin.
• Interview, train, and assess the technical ability of process technicians to ensure processes are repeatable.
• Ensure machines, tools, blenders, and robot processes meet process standards and are functional and calibrated correctly.
• Help with the development and launch of EOAT (end of arm tooling) to ensure parts are pulled out of the machines with accuracy without damage.
• Perform first production run off to ensure standards and cycle times can be met on all new tooling, new machines, and product changes.
• Establish molding partnerships inside the plant as well as with current suppliers of tooling products.
• Assist with design review for new in-house tools.
• Assist with installation of new equipment and troubleshooting of initial production.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities or events that will be happening in your zone or press area.
• Work closely with Spectrum Polymers to ensure resin specifications meet product requirements.
• Foster collaboration with technical staff and leadership to drive process improvement and innovation.

 Leadership:

• Lead and mentor process technicians to ensure best practices and continuous improvement.
• Fill in for technical supervisors or supervisors in their absence.

 SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

 Competencies: 

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures. 
• Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail. 
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities. 
• Oral Communication – Speaks English clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. 
• Written Communication - Writes English clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. 
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. 
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. 
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals. 
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans. 
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. 
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality 
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly. 
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.  
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. 
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time. 
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. 
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed. 
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention. 
• Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Database software; Design software; Project Management software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICIATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or equivalent from accredited university
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Experience with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D modeling/drafting software, including FEA
• A minimum of 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a Mid-High Volume Manufacturing environment
• Leadership experience, or direct supervisor experience required
• Experience in high volume production machining equipment, multiple types of applications and product lines (changeovers, various tooling, molding).
• Quality System Knowledge (ISO/QS/TS)
• Structured Problem-Solving skills with a keen attention to detail. (8D/A3)
• Experience with process optimization, statistical analysis, and Six Sigma methodologies, FMEA, DVP&R
• Capital Equipment Justifications
• Production Equipment Capacity Planning
• Commitment to safety, quality, and environmental stewardship

PREFERRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED

• 5+ years of manufacturing in the Plastics Industry (Stretch Blow Molding, Injection Molding, Extrusion Blow Molding) 
• Experience with process production manufacturing (Plastic Mold Design, Plastic Mold Flow)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time and spend 50% or more time out on a production floor. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. A moderate tolerance of loud noises if needed to go out into the production facility. Employee is required to wear ear protection and eye protection. The manufacturing environment can be fast-paced and physically demanding, with exposure to various materials and processes that may result in a dirty workspace. We prioritize safety and cleanliness, providing all necessary protective gear and maintaining strict hygiene standards. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen.
 

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Petmate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.