Process Improvement Engineer

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow's breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people's lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken's curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Monitor and control the technical side of various chemical manufacturing processes to assure safe operations. 
2. Provide daily, written technical instructions to Operations Personnel related to assigned product lines.
3. Solicit input from R&D Chemists, Engineers, Maintenance and Operations Personnel on manufacturing process problems and improvements and lead efforts to resolve.
4. Provide guidance and leadership on technical issues and problems related to the production of chemicals.
5. Provide Project Management leadership to usher new products from R&D to commercial operations.
6. Design and implement improvements in processes that increase yields and rates on assigned product lines.
7. Participate in all Process Hazard Analysis and Process Reviews related to assigned processes.
8. Develop and review production tracking systems and, based on data, drive projects to optimize efficiency and quality.  Emphasis on documented design of experiments and design and implementation of SPC/SQC systems.
9. Review and revise process documents to reflect the use of Equipment Operating Procedures when appropriate and evaluate the producability of the product.
10. Evaluate lab analysis of chemical products, intermediates and raw materials as needed to support manufacturing operations.
11. Complete and submit Management of Change forms for corrections, improvements, or modifications made to processes or equipment.  Communicate changes to the sales function to support customer-change notification requirements.
12. Assure that all process documents are current and that processes are being followed in the plant.
13. Support the sales function with technical advice including accompanying product to customer's plant.
14. Be familiar with and comply with established Quality Policy.
15. Support Quality Awareness by identification and correction of quality deficiencies through cooperation with internal audit teams and periodic department evaluations.
16. Lead and document investigations of internal Material Non-Conformances.  Includes root cause analysis and driving Process Improvements to minimize future non-conformances.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.

d.    Contribute to continuous improvement of the plant environmental, health, safety, security, and Responsible Care performance and programs.

1. 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:

1. BS or higher in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry. 
2. Strong organizational and analytical skills needed for problem solving and trouble shooting.
3. Strong attention to detail balanced with ability to see the big picture for overall strategy implementation.
4. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
5. High level of proficiency with SAP, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
6. Strong managerial and interpersonal skills dealing with both hourly and exempt associates.

Preferred:

1. At least 3 years related experience in one or more of the following: plant operations, R&D, pilot plant operations, quality assurance.
2. Preferred experience with Chemical Process Simulation Software (e.g., ChemCAD, ASPEN), Computerized Process Control Software, and basic understanding of statistics.
3. Experience in process or project engineering; production engineer/superintendent/team leader

Other preferred skills include clear, concise verbal and written communication across all levels of the organization.

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.