Process Improvement Engineer - Manufacturing

Job Description:

Who We Need

We are seeking a highly skilled Process Improvement Engineer to join our Process Improvement & Development team and help establish Penn Color as the global benchmark in our industry. Reporting to the US Plant Director, this role is critical in driving real-time problem-solving improvement initiatives in our manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and operational performance.

We need a hands-on, quick-thinking problem solver with a 'can-do' attitude who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role requires someone who can quickly assess inefficiencies, respond to challenges in the moment, and implement immediate solutions while working collaboratively across departments. The ideal candidate will serve as a bridge between R&D, Operations, Continuous Improvement, and Quality Control to ensure seamless collaboration.

Why this role matters

While our culture remains one of our greatest strengths, we recognize that process improvement must become a central focus for us to reach our full potential. Our PID team plays a crucial, reactive role, identifying immediate inefficiencies and implementing solutions as challenges arise on the production floor. To achieve operational excellence, we need to balance both immediate problem-solving and future-focused continuous improvement.

What You'll Do

• Lead process improvement initiatives using data-driven analysis, accountability, and best practices to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate across teams (R&D, QC, and Operations) to ensure manufacturing processes align with business objectives.
• Optimize equipment performance by coordinating maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring peak operational efficiency.
• Oversee production trials and plant runs, ensuring equipment readiness, raw material selection, processing instructions, and quality control measures.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance across manufacturing processes.
• Ensure seamless product commercialization by validating R&D formulations and processes before full-scale production approval.
• Utilize data analytics and process mapping to drive continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing.
• Maintain accurate process records and update Oracle systems to ensure consistency in future production runs.

Who you are

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of process improvement experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with liquid dispersions, finished coatings, or plastic masterbatch dispersions is a plus.
• Strong background in statistical process control (SPC), value stream mapping, total productive maintenance (TPM), and failure mode & effects analysis (FMEA).
• Hands-on experience with liquid dispersion equipment (e.g., media and basket mills) and/or extrusion processes.
• Expertise in quality management systems, operations, and process optimization.
• Preferred: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred, with practical knowledge of cost savings and KPI tracking.

Skills & Mindset:

• Master communicator who can engage stakeholders from the plant floor to executive leadership.
• Strategic thinker with strong project management and change management skills.
• Natural leader who inspires collaboration and innovation.
• Proactive problem solver with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Data-driven decision-maker who thrives in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

What WE can do for YOU

Penn Color offers many tangible and intangible benefits:

Tangible benefits include:

• Highly competitive compensation
• A choice between 3 outstanding medical plans
• 401K with a strong company match
• PTO to balance your life
• Additional company perks
• And More!

Our intangible benefits really set us apart:

• Unmatched company stability
• Long-term career opportunity
• True open door, friendly environment
• Ability to "own" your role
• Company events that bring us all together

If you desire a long-term career, want to work alongside an exceptional group of people, and wish to use your talents to shape a world-class company, then we are your employer of choice!

Penn Color, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regards to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or any other protected categories. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given an equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.