Continuous Improvement Engineer

US Citizen or Green Card Holders ONLY

Continuous Improvement Engineer - Packaging

2nd Shift : 03 : 00PM-12 : 00AM

Location : Orrville, Ohio

Description :

A reputable organization in the food and beverage sector seeks a detail-oriented and proactive Continuous Improvement Engineer with a focus on packaging systems. This role will be instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of manufacturing and packaging operations. Responsibilities include the development and maintenance of comprehensive documentation for sustainable processes, best practices, and maintenance protocols within the technical library. The position will also support the integration of new technologies and process improvements, as well as contribute to the optimization of current operations and the training of technical staff. This position reports directly to the Packaging Department Manager.

The Continuous Improvement Engineer is accountable for ensuring that all external partners and vendors working within their designated area are thoroughly trained on all relevant food safety, food quality, and personal safety regulations, including pre-qualification requirements. While operational staff share responsibility for the organization's success, this engineering role holds primary responsibility for providing leadership and upholding operational integrity.

This position has the authority to implement immediate corrective actions concerning Food Safety and Food Quality issues and is required to escalate these matters to the appropriate leadership (Plant Manager, Packaging Manager, Plant Engineering Manager, and / or Quality Manager) if further intervention is needed. A qualified designee will provide coverage for this role during absences.

Experience :

Familiarity with food and beverage plant operations.

Familiarity with dairy products, procedures, and equipment is a plus.

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma / Continuous Improvement principles, including Root Cause Analysis, TPM, Kaizen, and Autonomous Maintenance.

Membership in relevant professional organizations is a plus.

Principal Duties :

Enhance Packaging Systems Effectiveness :

Facilitate the adoption of new packaging technologies alongside existing equipment.

Manage the introduction of new production lines and equipment, potentially including involvement from initial scope definition through implementation, start-up, and validation stages. Project origins may include various sources such as strategic business initiatives, quality enhancements, and productivity / cost-reduction efforts.

Collaborate with internal teams across Production, Engineering, R&D, and Quality to effectively implement efficient packaging, sanitation, operational, and quality initiatives. Evaluate and improve key performance indicators and target metrics.

Promote the application of best practices for asset management, maintenance, and operation, leveraging relevant technologies across different functional and plant teams. Develop or refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Technical Operating Standards (TOS), Preventative

Maintenance (PMs), Safety Procedures, etc., which involves personnel assessment and collaboration with relevant management, as well as establishing a robust auditing process.

Proactively identify opportunities to minimize waste across all operational phases, from raw material handling and product flow to the final packaging stage, including sanitation processes.

Conduct, facilitate, and document thorough root cause analyses and implement corrective action plans.

Monitor and report on cost reductions resulting from process improvement initiatives (e.g., equipment MRO spending, materials, utilities, yield, and labor) using relevant tracking reports and equipment history data compared to budget expectations.

Perform detailed reviews of pertinent operational records. Analyze deviations using statistical methods and verify compliance with established standards.

Compile technical documentation for packaging systems. Review and audit the accuracy of process flow diagrams, standard operating procedures, sanitation protocols, line design capacities (including equipment design rate reviews), and upstream / downstream process capabilities.

Training and Development :

Support plant leadership in effectively deploying new practices and technologies. Validate the learning plans and training requirements for packaging and maintenance technicians related to product and / or process improvements, as well as the commissioning of new equipment.

Quality Control :

Assess potential impacts and risks to ideal product characteristics that may arise from actual or proposed system modifications.

Define, document, and communicate the scope of project trials, sample collection methodologies, lead internal and external testing efforts, assess and isolate critical variables, and interpret results. Develop and propose recommendations along with the necessary sustainability plans for the successful implementation of proposed changes.

Maintain comprehensive documentation of all projects, analyses, and audit-related work through the use of appropriate reporting tools. Liaise with management, production, and engineering personnel to discuss project specifications and procedures.

Qualifications :

Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering or science discipline. A specialization in Packaging Science is preferred; a Master's degree is a plus.

The Continuous Improvement Engineer (Packaging) will possess 2-7 years of relevant experience in a packaging engineering role within the food or beverage industry.

Project management experience is desirable.

Additional Education / Certifications (highly desired, but not required) may include HACCP, USDA, FDA, OSHA, GMP, SPC, Green / Black Belt, etc.

Skills :

Highly flexible and adaptable to changing work priorities and schedules based on project and task demands.

Demonstrated experience in establishing and developing standards and SOPs within a manufacturing environment.

Strong passion for and analytical aptitude in continuous improvement methodologies, statistics, and process control.

Verifiable history of effective collaboration within teams and providing organizational influence and direction.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage workload efficiently.

Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and work autonomously.

Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Proven leadership capabilities.

Strong logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Results-oriented with a strong focus on meeting internal customer expectations.

Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation abilities.

Proficient computer skills.

Strong work ethic, accountable, mature, and possesses a management perspective.

Enthusiastic about their role and field.

Sets and maintains high standards of performance.

Possesses a strong sense of ethics and an understanding of corporate accountability.

Collaborative team player who readily supports other departments when needed.

Approachable, respectful, open, and communicative.

Considers the needs of others and the organization.

Detail-oriented, precise, and communicates clearly, tailoring responses to the audience's understanding.

Comfortable presenting to small groups.

Well-organized with good personal management skills.

Demonstrates patience while maintaining a proactive approach.