Process Improvement Engineer, Encapsys

POSITION TITLE

Process Engineer- Commercialization

COMPANY OVERVIEW

At Milliken, our work begins behind the scenes often taking shape in a lab. The molecules and materials we create are transforming lives and experiences around the world. We're a global leader with over 155 years of expertise in research, design and manufacturing specializing in the textile, chemical, healthcare, and flooring industries.

Headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, our eight thousand associates across 46 locations are a diverse global team of scientists, engineers, manufacturers, designers, thinkers, and problem solvers. People who come to work every day with curious minds and an unwavering commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for our customers and communities. Named to the World’s Most Ethical Companies list by Ethisphere Institute for 15 consecutive years, we rally behind a common purpose: to positively impact the world for generations.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Process Engineer is accountable for scale up of new chemical encapsulation products, validation of new equipment and processes, acts as a technical resource for the plant and lead/support continuous improvement.  The position reports directly to the Corporate Commercialization Manager and will work closely with plant leadership, engineering, and plant operators. A successful candidate will need to be able to work in a flexible, often shifting environment and coordinate cross functionally with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Quality, R&D, EH&S, and Business Unit leaders to deliver expected results. This position will be located in Portage, WI.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate cross functional team to develop and execute plans to successfully move growth products from the lab bench to a manufacturing location while meeting all internal and external requirements.
• Design new process transformation steps to expand Encapsys product offerings
• Characterize critical relationships between process parameters and product performance
• Support generation of IP through product design or processing innovation.
• Responsible for the design, commissioning, validation, and start-up of products/processes for assigned business units
• Collaborate with Business Unit and R&D resources to understand customer needs, translate these to successful formulations and develop repeatable manufacturing conditions
• Participate in design of production equipment, design reviews and development of programming controls.
• Participate in investigations, document root cause, and implement sustainable corrective actions to resolve equipment, processing, or product quality issues.
• Develop detailed understanding of process equipment, chemistry, and proficiency in all quality data systems.
• Drive continuous improvement and manage change management systems for assigned business units.
• Coach less experienced engineers and associates, as well as provide technical training to others.
• Conduct risk assessments of equipment and processes.
• Collaborate with Quality Team to ensure compliance with applicable safety and quality standards.
• Support Encapsys Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by contributing to team efforts that strive to guarantee quality, minimize cost, meet delivery promises, maintain processes, and work safely.
• Ensure that Safe & Healthy workplaces are provided for all. This should be accomplished by the effective management of the Associate Team, through personal observation and engagement.
• Ensure that all emergency arrangements are in place – Fire exit routes clear, fire doors accessible and not locked or blocked, and fire-fighting equipment present in the correct location.
• Be visible and available to associates in office & support areas.
• Be engaged in the safety process as a safety team coach/sponsor or project team leader.  Attend site safety meetings and be an active participant.
• Ensure that associates have access to wellness arrangements.
  • This includes first aid/health facilities, access to nurse support and mental health support
• SAFETY – Adhere to all plant safety policies and compliance regulations.  Actively participate in the safety process through completing of safety audits, participating in safety projects, identifying Site Hazards and contributing to safety improvements, and being an attending member of a safety team.  Complete annual safety training as required.
• QUALITY – Become familiar with, understand and comply with Milliken Quality Policy, Standard Operating Procedure(s) (SOPs), relevant ISO 9000 standards and Company Policies that are applicable to this position.
• RESPONSIBLE CARE:

• a. Be aware of the relevant requirements of the Responsible Care Management System (RC-14001) and follow plant procedures to ensure compliance to requirements.

   

   b. Understand the RC-14001 Significant Aspects of your job and help ensure controls are in place to reduce or eliminate negative impacts.

   

  c. Take actions and identify and communicate ideas to minimize waste, prevent pollution and conserve energy. 

   

•  HAZARDOUS WASTE HANDLING - All associates who handle hazardous waste shall be given an overview of the regulations and company policies regarding the management of hazardous waste.  The hazardous waste handlers shall receive detailed instruction on the proper handling, collecting, labeling, and transporting of hazardous waste as outlined in RCRA and OSHA regulations.  Instructions shall also include whom to notify in case of a spill and proper procedures for spill response.  Educational requirements include the ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.  Instructions on handling hazardous waste shall come from the hazardous waste manager or appropriate designee.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• BS in Engineering/Science related field with 3+ years of experience
• Experience working in chemical industry or working directly with chemicals
• Ability to define problems, facilitate teams, determine root causes, develop preventative actions, and implement effective long-term solutions for complex problems.
• Experience validating equipment and new products.
• Basic understanding of ERP, Quality management and Process control systems.
• Familiarity with process safety management design and implementation.
• Ability to occasionally push, pull and carry up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to wear a respirator as required by activity or chemical safety data sheets.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally

QUALIFICATIONS – PREFERRED

• Experience in product development/process engineering
• Prior experience working with ISO9001, Hazardous Chemicals, Process Safety Management (PSM) or RMP, Responsible Care, ISO14001 or SOCMA registered facility.
• Knowledge of process control systems and cost / benefits analysis
• Ability to apply scientific principles to design complex processes and solve manufacturing problems.
• Detailed understanding of chemistry, liquid chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical kinetics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and mass transfer as they relate to chemical processing systems.
• Experience in a cGMP environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

The successful candidate will have strengths in the following:

• Ability to apply engineering concepts to solve performance problems.
• Ability to take initiative, prioritize objectives from multiple projects, and adhere to scheduled timelines while maintaining flexibility.
• Capable of working in a flexible, often shifting environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong work ethic, self-directed and able to work collaboratively in a team environment. 
• Must be able to identify issues and communicate with all levels of the organization to get them resolved as well as customers, vendors and contractors.
• Assess and make recommendations for improvements in areas of safety, cost, and performance.