Process Engineer

kp is a globally recognised leader in the packaging and specialty film industry, renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. The need to act on climate change has never been clearer so we incorporate sustainability into everything we do by #Investing In Better  - creating innovative products that enhance product protection, shelf life and contribute to reducing the overall carbon footprint.

At kp, we are passionate about ensuring our customers' satisfaction, and we strive to achieve this goal by focusing all our efforts on meeting their evolving needs. Our dedication to drive a positive change in the packaging industry with a focus on quality and sustainability has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

The Process Engineer has responsibility for coordination of engineering activities to ensure process control and drive continuous improvements within kp manufacturing processes. The Process Engineer will focus on continuous improvement, product quality improvement and statistical process control through failure analyses in order to drive performance and reduce overall manufacturing costs. This position is based on the Gordonsville, VA campus and reports to the Business Excellence Manager.

• Lead by example - promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Design and implement cost-effective equipment modifications to improve safety, reliability and throughput
• Partner with maintenance department to troubleshoot, repair, and improve overall control systems
• Improve and design production processes, as it relates to continuous improvements, quality and process control systems
• Utilize team-based problem-solving methodologies such as DMAIC for assigned projects to resolve real-time issues that are negatively impacting Key Performance Indicators
• Ensure equipment documentation exists and conforms to standards in the form of work instructions, standard operating procedures, operating and maintenance manuals, drawings, and diagrams.
• Use research, analytical, conceptual and planning skills, particularly mathematical modeling and computer-aided design to enhance existing technology and plan for future upgrades
• Discuss and solve complex problems with the manufacturing and maintenance teams
• Collect, analyze and summarize applicable process information and trends; is a key contributor in the site’s KPI performance by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends, applicable to the process
• Maintain a focus on health, safety and environment for all job activities
• Estimate Return On Investment for each improvement project and prepare applicable business cases for review
• Estimate production times, staffing requirements and related costs to provide information for management decisions
• Utilize 5S techniques in the work environment to maintain a clean and professional work area
• Utilize SMED, CEDAC and other lean tools
• Align with kp’s strategic compass and core behaviors:
  Focus, Accountability, Respect, and Urgency
• Other duties as assigned

Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Chemical, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering; or five to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with control systems is required; experience in the polymer/plastics industry preferred. Experience with automation controls and Green Belt certification is a plus.

If you are determined, thrive in a fast-paced environment with high levels of accountability and focus, then we’d love to meet you! Please apply using the link below.

At kp, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is vital to our global success. We welcome applicants from all identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We aim to create an inclusive culture where our employees feel empowered to play to their strengths and see themselves reflected in the organization without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual preference, marital status, or inclusion in any other protected class.

*** Please be aware of recruitment scams. Klöckner Pentaplast will never ask candidates to provide payments, bank details, national identification numbers, or any other sensitive personal information during the interview process. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a communication claiming to be from kp, please contact us directly at ***