Process Development Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Alabama, +4 more states.

📋 Description

• Lead the enhancement, optimization, and standardization of white wool manufacturing processes and product quality at KINA facilities.

• Act as the divisional Subject Matter Expert for white wool manufacturing.

• Establish and uphold standards for both hot-end and cold-end white wool processes.

• Streamline spinner, fiberizer, forming, milling, transport, additive application, energy, and material consumption processes.

• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies effectively.

• Oversee process trials and Design of Experiments, ensuring thorough data collection and actionable insights.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement new processes, enhance process control systems, and boost reliability and output consistency.

• Provide hands-on technical assistance to KINA facilities and address production challenges.

• Facilitate cross-plant troubleshooting for chronic losses using structured problem-solving techniques.

• Work together with OEMs and suppliers to enhance spinner performance, fiber quality, equipment longevity, and reduce variability.

• Connect field performance and quality data with production processes.

• Support plant construction, upgrades, modifications, commissioning, and start-up activities.

• Deliver training to cultivate white wool Subject Matter Experts at each facility.

• Disseminate best practices and governance frameworks across KINA and KI plants.

• Document advancements, uphold standards, and refresh training materials.

• Present recommendations and findings to management and stakeholders.

• Generate monthly dashboards that outline performance trends, root causes, and opportunities for process improvement.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or a related technical field) is required.

• Six Sigma Certification is required; Green Belt minimum, Black Belt preferred.

• At least 5 years of experience in glass mineral wool manufacturing, encompassing hot-end and cold-end processes.

• Demonstrated success in project management and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Specific experience in white wool insulation production is highly preferred.

• Expertise in developing hot-end spinner/fiberizer and cold-end forming and milling processes.

• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, including SQDCP, Kata, Kaizen, LPA, DOE, and SPC.

• Proven capability to lead Six Sigma projects that result in annual savings or measurable yield/output improvements.

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills for influencing and training cross-functional teams.

• Proficient in Minitab, MES systems, MS Office Suite, and data historian tools such as OsiPI.

• Strong project management abilities, including cost-benefit analysis, milestone tracking, and stakeholder follow-up.

• Detail-oriented and results-driven individual.

• Capacity to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Willingness to travel up to 40%, with increased travel during start-ups, commissioning, or significant projects.

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. and work in various plant environmental conditions, including dust and temperature variations.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision – starting on day one.

• Virtual Medical Services.

• Fertility and adoption assistance.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 100% matching on the first 6% contribution and fully vested from day one.

• Paid parental leave.

• Paid family leave.

• Company-provided Salary Continuance (Short-term Disability).

• Company-paid life insurance.

• Paid Holidays.

• Vacation time.

• Tuition Reimbursement.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

• Opportunities for growth.