Manufacturing : (30%) This position is responsible for supporting the manufacturing operation through direct participation and commitment to World Class Manufacturing in the areas of safety, cost, quality, and delivery of existing/new products, processes, and methods.

• Improve production efficiency and enhance profitability through the application of World Class Manufacturing principles using Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing tools.
• Participates in cost control programs and the standardization of processes and procedures. Frequently interacts with production personnel to evaluate and solve production problems and to advise on process capability and customer demands.

Projects: (30%) Identifies and pursues projects which require experience and judgment to deal with a variety of variables.

• Projects are typically significant assignments within the annual plant objectives and may involve new products or processes and/or expansion of capabilities. Considerable ingenuity and ability to work independently would be expected. The incumbent will provide technical direction to less experienced individual, i.e. technicians, group leaders, and operators.
• Plan, devise, design, and participate in the completion of capital and non-capital projects in any technical area of the plant. Improve manufacturing capability, process control, product quality, and fixed or variable costs.
• Works and interacts with production team members, other support departments, and occasionally with customers to ensure project fulfillment.
• Responsible for various capital project activities from the bidding process, completing the appropriation, supervising the installation, and start up, to the completion of capital and non-capital projects in any technical area of the plant.
• Write up and present project reports to update progress and to convey project developments to all appropriate manufacturing personnel and management.
• Participates in digital automation and manufacturing 4.0 initiatives with production team members, other support departments, and external resources.

Documentation and Training: (30%) Lead, direct, develop, and train personnel on new processes, equipment, and procedures as required while maintaining and updating existing process documentation.

• Manages, directs, participates in the work required to generate quality data and information flow. Ensures the activities are integrated and effective.
• Promote data acquisition, data analytics, digital solutions, and automation.
• Performs statistical analysis of process variables and rejection rates, interprets data and leads resulting process and product improvement projects. Creates, implements, and oversees vital quality and process control procedures.

Development: (10%) Works closely with management in assisting with the developing and testing of new products and processes before they are introduced into production.

• Assist in the continuation of the continuous improvement program.
• Initiate and maintain Engineering Change Notices (ECN) to document and control changes in specifications, processes and procedures.
• Maintain technical competence and keep informed on new developments in materials, process technology, and product applications to ensure that the most appropriate methods and materials are used.

Complexity of Role (This could include highly matrixed reporting relationships, product industry, unionized location, multi-product location, etc.)

• This incumbent must have good interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to guide and counsel employees. Must have the ability to work under frequent pressure and have effective decision-making skills. The incumbent must have strong organizational skills, be detail oriented, flexible, enthusiastic and able to meet deadlines.
• The position is visible to all employees and the incumbent must interact with a variety of departments through integrity, knowledge, and personal example. Must conduct self in a manner that demonstrates cooperation, leadership and willingness to assist fellow workers with handling issues as they arise and provide assistance and training as may be necessary from time to time.
• The ability to communicate verbally (including phone) and in writing, convey leadership, solve multifaceted problems, and operate with a consistent sense of fairness. Requires positive attitude toward all personnel and must be a team player.
• Must have strong computer skills – proficient with MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Familiarity with MS Access.
• Must work safely and independently. Wears required safety equipment, including safety shoes, safety glasses, and safety gloves. Protective clothing, face shields, hearing protection and dust masks as needed. Keeps work area in order and clean per company 5S standards. Performs SMAT/TF’s and other audit programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Ceramic, Materials, Mechanical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering
• Master of Science or Engineering in Ceramics or Materials Science – or equivalent experience
• 5 years of Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience utilizing and understanding engineering principles, theories, and their applications.
• Must have strong process optimization and problem-solving skills
• This role requires a high level of interpersonal skills and ability to build cooperative working relationships.
• The position is highly visible to all employees and the incumbent must demonstrate leadership through integrity, knowledge, and personal example
• Must have strong knowledge of data analytics, knowledge of SPC, lean manufacturing concepts, 5S, quality systems, and Six-Sigma
• Knowledge of I.S.O.