Industrial Process Engineer/Plant Engineer, Pipe & Fittings Manufacturer (Greensboro, GA)

Overview

Plant-leadership role in the daily operations of a PVC pipe and fittings manufacturing facility, leading the manufacturing program for plant output optimization, downtime and scrap reduction, process control and material usage optimization, with problem-solving consultation, engineering procedures and capital project support.

What you'll do

• Support operations by leading and directing technical activities to solve problems encountered in any part of the facility.
• Develop and maintain process guidelines (SOP/SOC) and training programs for the integration of new products and systems.
• Conduct data analysis of scrap, downtime, line rates, and material usage.
• Prepare charts and reports to assist the plant team in making data-driven decisions to improve results.
• Continually strive to reduce process variation (improve process capability) to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to manufacturing and agency standards.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives through materials, product, and process improvements.
• Facilitate brainstorming sessions and develop action plans for the Westlake Improvement Process (WCI) and Profit Improvement Process (PIP), including activities to reduce utilities consumption, cycle times, scrap, downtime, material usage variance, and direct labor.
• Utilize continuous improvement tools such as Lean Manufacturing/Toyota Production Systems, Six-Sigma, 5S/6S, Total Productive Maintenance, Kaizen Events, Value Stream Maps, DOEs, FMEAs, and Advanced Problem-Solving.
• Participate in updating manufacturing standards as a result of performance improvements.
• Develop work cell layouts to optimize material flow and support 5S and visual management initiatives.
• Initiate new equipment and technologies, including detailed scope definitions (capabilities, throughput, equipment controls including function block diagrams, process parameters, and data acquisition requirements), RFQ documents, and execution timeline plans (facility preparation, installation, HSE, training, production ramp-up).
• Ensure own conduct and that of direct reports is in accordance with the Westlake Code of Business Ethics and the Workplace Discrimination/Harassment Policy.
• Communicate with employees, plant and supervisory staff as required, and build participative working relationships with plant and management personnel.
• Comply with company rules, regulations and policies as stated in the Employee Relations Manual and/or Employee Handbook.

What you'll need

• B.S. degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Mechanical, or Material Science Engineering.
• 3-10 years of manufacturing work experience.
• Experience with high volume, continuous manufacturing environment.
• A results-oriented problem solver with an analytical approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• A hands-on individual with the ability to drive results through others.
• Process Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering / CI skills and expertise.

Nice to have

• Experience in HSE regulatory compliance/engineering (preferred).
• Experience in PVC processing and extrusion (highly desired).
• Fundamental understanding of OT networks, industrial controls and automation (highly desired).
• Six Sigma green/black belt and knowledge of DOE (preferred).
• Knowledge of mistake-proofing sensor technology and PLC programming (desirable).

Details

• Location: Greensboro, GA plant; fully onsite role, must commute daily.
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 6:30am-4pm, possibly 45-50 hours/week based on business needs.
• Travel: 1-4 weeks per year, likely 3-4 weeks per year in the first couple of years.
• Physical demands: frequently sitting, standing, walking; regularly lifting up to 10 lbs, frequently up to 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs; occasionally stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Work environment: hands-on position, half in office and half in operating units with PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection); exposure to outdoor elements and hot/cold temperatures; use of stairs and elevators.