What are the responsibilities and job description for the PROCESS ENGINEER position at Kent Consumer Brands Americas, LLC?
KENT WORLDWIDE has an opening for a Process Engineer within the Operations Department, based in Columbus, MS. The Process Engineer is responsible for improving and optimizing daily manufacturing operations to ensure production runs safely, efficiently, and reliably. This role has a strong focus on eliminating waste, enhancing product quality, increasing throughput, and leading continuous improvement through data-driven problem solving and collaboration with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Leadership teams. The Process Engineer works hands-on in the plant, troubleshoots process issues, refines existing systems, and drives continuous improvement.
- This is a salaried position with a complete benefits package reporting to the Plant Manager.
- This role is designed and intended to be performed in Columbus, MS.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Leads process optimization and continuous improvement by identifying inefficiencies and waste, increasing throughput, and advancing quality using lean manufacturing principles, data analysis, and structured problem-solving methods.
- Owns troubleshooting and operational performance by identifying process failures, driving corrective actions, and ensuring reliable equipment and process operation through close, hands-on involvement on the manufacturing floor.
- Drive operational excellence and loss elimination by tracking and analyzing key metrics to identify trends, performance gaps, and improvement opportunities.
- Create and maintain process documentation (process flow diagrams, Standard Operating Procedures, capacity/utilization studies, …) to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
- Support equipment and process changes by assisting with the evaluation, testing, and implementation of upgrades, process modifications, and new technologies that enhance existing operations.
- Collaborates across departments to ensure cross-functional decision making and compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards/regulations.
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Uses lean manufacturing tools (5S, Kaizen events, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, …) to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness and help build a culture of continuous improvement.
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Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support operational performance
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical preferred), or a related technical degree with applicable experience. Other degrees may be considered with strong relevant manufacturing or project experience.
- 0-2 years of experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or continuous improvement environment (internship or co-op strongly preferred).
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of manufacturing systems and interactions between machines, materials, methods, and manpower (4Ms).
- Interest and general understanding of lean manufacturing concepts.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills.
- Understanding of Food Manufacturing Regulatory Requirements (GMP’s, Food Safety, etc…) is beneficial.
- Ability to use AutoCAD or other relevant CAD system is beneficial.
TRAVEL:
- Up to 25% travel for meetings or training may be required.