Process Engineer

Miller Manufacturing Company is a family-owned, industry-leading manufacturer of more than 1,000 high-quality products for hobby farms, ranches, and pets. Our Little Giant®, API®, Hot-Shot®, Springer Magrath®, Double-Tuf®, Pet Lodge® and Lixit® brands serve the hardworking individuals who make it possible to put food on the tables of families across the country.

At Miller, we believe in hard work worth doing. We take pride in what we do; care deeply for the health and safety of animals, live active and wholesome lives, and embracing the satisfaction of raising our own food. Our company is powered by exceptional employees, and our culture is defined by 26 core fundamentals that guide how we work and how we treat one another.

Summary: The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing and supporting new and existing manufacturing processes and equipment that ensure process repeatability, product quality, labor efficiency and cost target attainment.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Wage Range: $80,000 - $112,000 Annual Base Pay

Base pay is based on several factors which vary based on position, including skills, ability, and knowledge the selected individual is bringing to the specific job. Please note that we do not typically hire at the top of our range. Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt.

Essential Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily.

• Optimize existing processes and equipment to improve product quality, labor efficiency, and cost target attainment. Lead and coordinate projects for the design and build of equipment enhancements, monitor manufacturing activities and measure critical process characteristics using appropriate test and analysis methods to identify sources and quantify the extent of process variation, and to troubleshoot manufacturing, quality, and assembly issues by providing root cause analysis and corrective action recommendations. The role also requires applying continuous improvement and lean concepts to identify and eliminate non-value-added tasks or activities, utilizing techniques such as Design of Experiments (DOE) and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to engineer effective solutions. Additionally, the position works closely with the Tool and Fixture Specialist to design and build necessary fixtures and tooling to improve manufacturing efficiencies.

• Develop new processes and equipment to improve product quality, labor efficiency, and cost target attainment. Facilitate the successful launch of new products into manufacturing by working with Product Engineering to understand product requirements and ensure manufacturing processes will meet them, to lead and coordinate projects for the design, installation, debugging, and qualification of tooling, capital equipment, and assembly/test equipment, and to develop and implement process control techniques and procedures within the manufacturing environment for all new equipment. Additionally, the role works closely with the Tool and Fixture Specialist to design and build necessary fixtures and tooling as needed for development projects.

• Maintain sound documentation to enable repeatable processes in the future. Create, document, and improve procedures used to assemble, test, and manufacture products, to define and create Work Instructions, Standards of Work, and preventative maintenance recommendations, and to utilize Six Sigma principles to ensure the efficient use of resources.

• Provide project management to ensure the effective implementation of optimized processes and equipment. Act as the project leader on assigned projects and assist in developing robust processes to manage the selection, prioritization, and execution of product and process-related projects to meet established company goals, to provide feedback during Design Reviews, Design and Process FMEAs on Design for Manufacturability of new and re-engineered products, and to influence product designs to ensure economical manufacturability.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s): The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• Knowledge, Education and/or Experience:
  • Four-year Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree is preferred.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and 3D modeling software is required (Creo and AutoCAD preferred).. ERP experience is a plus.
  • Experience in developing/optimizing equipment/processes is preferred.
  • Experience with plastic injection molded parts/process, metal forming, and electro-mechanical design is preferred.
  • Clear understanding in the application of statistics, DOE, and root cause analysis.
• Skills:
  • Technical Competence:
    • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems, specific knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
    • Science - Knowledge of physical principles, laws, and applications. Understanding fluid and material dynamics; and mechanical and electrical structures and processes
  • Excellent Communication:
    • Read, analyze, interpret and communicate: general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations and professional drawings
    • Write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
    • Present information to and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
  • Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
  • Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Leadership Skills: Lead projects, set technical direction, and manage timelines
• Abilities:
  • Domestic and/or international travel as required.
  • Apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written and oral instructions.
  • Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
  • Apply good judgment in recognizing scope of authority
  • Interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical and diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.
  • Work within a Team.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Lifting Requirements: Continuously 1-20lbs, frequently 21-50lbs, occasionally 51-75lbs and rarely 76-100lbs.

Movement Requirements: Continuously standing, walking, sitting, talking or hearing. Frequently feeling, kneeling/crouch/squat, reaching upward or outward, bending the neck side-to-side or front-to-back, typing, pinching/finger manipulation, grasping/turning the wrist. Rarely taste/smell.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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