Methocel Production Engineer

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Date:Jun 26, 2024

Location: Midland, MI, US, 48642

Company: IFF Family of Companies

Job Description

The Production Engineer reports to the Site Leader and is part of a high-performance team, serving as an influential leader and technical resource to optimize plant operations, resolve plant problems, and enable safe and efficient production of high-quality products. This role develops process expertise and then coaches, advises, and assists the operations team on day-to-day issues and opportunities related to safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and cost. The individual is key in developing the appropriate short interval control metrics, operating discipline, training, and work processes to maximize value to the business in a safe, environmentally friendly manner, while meeting and exceeding customer expectations. Another key aspect of the role is utilizing process and engineering knowledge, coupled with input from other business subject matter experts, to identify, prioritize, and assist in the execution of plant improvement projects to increase performance via equipment and process control optimization. This role at times will also serve as the manufacturing representative for capital projects to install new capabilities and/or add capacity at the facility. A continuous improvement mindset and toolbox (Six Sigma, LEAN) are important attributes for success in the role.

Skills for this job include:

• Demonstrates strong integrity in placing safety, the environment, and quality ahead of production volume.

• Strong technical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are required to be successful in this job.

• Ability to influentially lead teams and individuals utilizing performance-based leadership or similar behavioral based science.

• Facilitative leadership and teamwork skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks at one time.

• Highly motivated and results-driven individual with strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to interact with cross functional teams, engineering groups, plant operations, research and commercial organization and management.

• Strong written and organizational skills.

• Knowledge and ability to apply Six Sigma, LEAN, and process control fundamentals in daily activities.

• RCI leadership skills.

• Skilled in the use of MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) required.

• 2 yrs of engineering experience in a manufacturing and/or design capacity preferred.

• Experience in continuous improvement methodologies (eg. Six Sigma, LEAN, etc) preferred.

• Experience with Aspen IP21, ABB 800xA, SAP, and VBA are strong assets, but training will be provided.

Job Requirements

• Understands all applicable process technology, equipment and control technology. Works with plant personnel and technology subject matter experts, process R&D, and technical services to optimize operations to meet customer needs and business and plant goals. (Environmental, health & safety, quality, regulatory, reliability, throughput, and cost)

• Participates when required in advanced troubleshooting and coaches others to learn these skills. Ensures findings are documented in plant operating discipline for future usage.

• Provides leadership and direction in the day-to-day decision making for the operating area of responsibility. Consistently demonstrates strong ownership and encourages this in the plant culture through a continual commitment to excellence.

• As required participates on and leads teams in his/her area of accountability.

• Networks with other engineers on site and within the multi-national business to leverage knowledge on plant operations and technologies.

• Ensures most effective technology is understood and utilized.

• Understands and applies continuous improvement methodologies (LEAN/6σ) to enhance plant operations.

• Works with plant process control coordination to ensure process control is optimized in the facility.

• Supports plant roles in procedure usage, creation, reviews, updates and approvals.

• Works with the plant team and quality coordinator to continuously improve product quality performance and to meet and exceed requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and FSSC 22000.

• Utilizes plant information systems to gather data for troubleshooting and streamline tasks for various roles.

• Diagnoses and documents the root causes of asset utilization losses for tracking in global systems.

• Assists with implementation of all aspects of process safety including process hazard analysis, layers of protection analysis, and loss prevention principle application.

• Utilizes statistical analysis methods to produce data-based decisions and results.

• Leads and participates in root cause investigations (RCI) for unplanned events that meet standardized criteria.

• Provide training in responsible area as process SME to technical staff and operations as needed. Serve as the technical subject matter expert for operator learner review boards as part of the operations training system.

• Works with R&D and technical services to develop and qualify novel products in the production facility that create value-added differentiation in the marketplace.

• Part of plant on-call rotation

Education:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required. Chemical or Mechanical preferred.

The Pharma Solutions business will be taking on its next chapter of growth as a trusted partner for the pharmaceutical industry with the announcement to sell Pharma Solutions to Roquette. This move will position Pharma Solutions to expand its industry leadership through continued investment in innovation to meet the evolving needs of pharmaceutical manufacturers and developers worldwide. The sale is presently expected to close in the first half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. The Pharma Solutions business unit will remain a part of IFF until close and, at such time, it will transition to Roquette. In applying for this position, you acknowledge your awareness that the position is a part of the Pharma Solutions business unit and has been identified to transition to Roquette.