Process Improvement Professional II (Engineer)

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram and  LinkedIn.

COMPANY: Headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Milliken & Company is a global, innovative, industrial diversified manufacturing company that has been exploring, discovering, and creating ways to enhance people’s lives since 1865. With expertise across a breadth of disciplines including specialty chemical, floor covering, and performance materials, the company works around the world every day to add true value to people’s lives, improve health and safety, and help make our world more sustainable. Milliken has long led the way for "knowledge-based" investment, employing over 100 PhDs, and has accumulated over 2,200 U.S. patents – and more than 5,000 patents worldwide. Milliken is widely acknowledged as an international leader in research technology, innovation, and customer service. With over 35 manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., U.K., Belgium, France, China, India, Mexico, and Australia, and other sales and service operations throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, Milliken's more than 7,000 associates work to deliver innovations that do good for the world, create new experiences, and build for the future. 

SUMMARY:  This position is located at Polartec Dyeing & Finishing Plant in Cleveland, TN and reports to the Process Improvement Manager. The position is responsible for leading continuous improvement efforts at the site. It plays a key role in the development and implementation of manufacturing process improvements that drive new performance levels, improve quality, consistency and cost. 

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

· Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or other applicable engineering discipline. 

· 1-2-year experience in a Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or other applicable engineering role in manufacturing environments working to improve processes and controls. 

· Experience with various types of dyeing and finishing equipment and process controls is desired. 

· Must have high level of mental agility, excellent decision making and problem-solving skills. 

· Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

· Apply understanding of engineering principles to support equipment and control systems within the manufacturing facility. 

· Responsible for the development of processes and procedures required to operate and maintain equipment and systems within the wet finishing production area. 

· Oversee any equipment installation/upgrade projects to support manufacturing areas within the facility. 

· Monitor and maintain process controls and procedures within the facility. 

· Interact with manufacturing personnel to ensure wet finishing processes are understood and followed. 

· Ability to understand and track manufacturing financial measures and assist management in putting in place cost controls and improvements

· Perform other duties as required and directed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: FREQUENCY, AMOUNT, OR DESCRIPTION: 

1. Standing: Ability to stand while presenting at meetings or operating equipment: 25% of day 

2. Sitting: Ability to sit down for a meeting or work at a computer 25% of day 

3. Moving: Ability to move throughout plant: 15% of day 

4. Lifting: Ability to lift up to 50lbs: 10% of day 

5. Climbing: Ability to climb machine catwalks and stairs, etc. while walking in plant 10% of day 

6. Push/Pull/Reach: Ability to push/pull cabinet drawers, reach for documents 10% of day 

7. Bending: Ability to pick up objects from the floor 20% of day 

8. Walking: Ability to walk throughout plant on hard concrete surface 85% of day 

9. Visual Acuity: Ability to read documents, computer screens, and SPIs 100% of day 

OTHER SKILLS/DESIRED ATTRIBUTES: 

· Excellent communication skills, written and verbal. 

· Strong interpersonal and organizational skills. 

· Strong analytical skills, ability to be decisive and use good judgement. 

· Quality orientation/attention to detail. 

· Ability to work within a team environment. 

Milliken & Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. 

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.