What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Engineer position at Knauf North America?
Knauf Insulation North America is the world's fastest-growing insulation manufacturer. We are wholly committed to the conservation of the environment while also sustainably developing and manufacturing a comprehensive line of acoustical fiberglass insulation for residential, commercial, industrial, marine, OEM and metal building applications, using post-consumer recycled materials.
We welcome passionate and creative individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative and ever-changing environment.
Our benefits go beyond just providing coverage.
We’re committed to the whole you – your health, wealth, peace of mind, self and community.
Our benefits include:
Apply online or contact us to hear why our employees appreciate being part of the Knauf family!
About the Role:
Are you passionate about driving innovation and optimizing manufacturing processes? Join our team as a Process Engineer and play a pivotal role in enhancing the furnace, batch, and binder processes across our state-of-the-art fiberglass manufacturing facilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Corporate Engineering, R&D, Plant Engineering, and Production, to develop cutting-edge process improvements and tackle complex product and technical challenges.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to make a tangible impact, this is your chance to shape the future of fiberglass manufacturing with us!
Responsibilities
Education:
We welcome passionate and creative individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative and ever-changing environment.
Our benefits go beyond just providing coverage.
We’re committed to the whole you – your health, wealth, peace of mind, self and community.
Our benefits include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision – starting on day one!
- Virtual Medical Services
- Fertility and adoption benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan (earn 100% matching on your first 6% contribution and fully vested day one)
- Paid parental leave
- Paid Family Leave
- Company provided Salary Continuance (Short-term Disability)
- Company paid life insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Vacation
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Plus, more!
Apply online or contact us to hear why our employees appreciate being part of the Knauf family!
About the Role:
Are you passionate about driving innovation and optimizing manufacturing processes? Join our team as a Process Engineer and play a pivotal role in enhancing the furnace, batch, and binder processes across our state-of-the-art fiberglass manufacturing facilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Corporate Engineering, R&D, Plant Engineering, and Production, to develop cutting-edge process improvements and tackle complex product and technical challenges.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to make a tangible impact, this is your chance to shape the future of fiberglass manufacturing with us!
Responsibilities
- Oversee the delivery of glass to the Process Group, ensuring it meets required standards for viscosity, temperature, and chemical composition.
- Manage furnace operations to maintain optimal performance, proper maintenance, and efficient process settings.
- Oversee and maintain the inventory of refractory materials to ensure uninterrupted operations.
- Stay up-to-date on the relationship between glass chemistry and its properties to drive process improvements.
- Supervise the plant's recycled water system, including filtration, treatment, and disposal, ensuring compliance with environmental and operational standards.
- Conduct in-depth technical analyses of manufacturing and process data, leveraging insights to enhance processes and exceed customer expectations.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute furnace maintenance and repair activities, utilizing both internal and external resources effectively.
- Manage all batch house operations, including raw material unloading, mixing, and overall process efficiency.
- Monitor and maintain raw material inventory to support uninterrupted production.
- Continuously identify and implement innovative ideas and methods to improve manufacturing capabilities, efficiency, and productivity.
- Collaborate with the Process Engineering Manager to execute projects aimed at achieving departmental goals, including cost reduction, productivity improvements, process optimization, capacity expansion, scrap reduction, and product enhancements.
- Lead and contribute to cross-functional projects focused on process and product optimization, innovation, cost efficiency, and other strategic business initiatives.
- Drive the highest level of employee retention and engagement to ensure a sustainable workforce.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability within the organization.
- Instill an environment of inclusion, where all employees feel that they can contribute and impact the company in a positive manner.
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Ceramic Engineering, or a related field.
- Lean Certifications and/or Green/Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma preferred.
- Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in Process or Manufacturing Engineering within a similar environment.
- Industry experience in glass or insulation manufacturing is highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of chemistry as it applies to glass, binder, and wash water processes in manufacturing.
- Familiarity with furnace and fiberization processes is preferred.
- Comprehensive knowledge of machinery design, functionality, and large industrial equipment.
- Proficiency in SAP and Minitab is preferred.
- Solid understanding of manufacturing regulations, standards, and Continuous Improvement methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma tools.
- Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills.
- Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
- Effective communication skills to collaborate across all levels of the plant, as well as with Corporate Engineering and R&D teams.
- Ability to interpret and create technical drawings, write work instructions, and develop procedures.
- Skilled in directing maintenance and repair activities for equipment.
- Hands-on approach with a collaborative mindset to engage with employees and identify process or system improvements.
- Leadership and coaching abilities to guide and develop team members.
- Strong decision-making skills with the ability to handle conflict resolution professionally.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.