Process Improvement Professional II

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.

SUMMARY: This position is located at Polartec’s Dyeing & Finishing Plant in Cleveland, TN, and reports to the Process Improvement Manager. This position leads continuous improvement efforts at the site. It plays a key role in developing and implementing manufacturing process improvements that drive new performance levels and improve quality, consistency, and cost

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or other applicable engineering disciplines. 
• 1- 2 years of experience in 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 cell manufacturing equipment, surface finishing applications, and process controls is desired. 
• Must have a high level of mental agility, excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills.   
• Must be able to spend 75% of the shift on the manufacturing floor. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Ability to lead teams and work within cross-functional teams to solve problems.
• Apply understanding of engineering principles to support equipment and control systems within the manufacturing facility. 
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Statistical Process Controls, Root Cause Analysis, Corrective Actions, Process Mapping with the ability to present and communicate findings to management. · Responsible for the development of processes and procedures required to operate and maintain equipment and systems within the Surface Finishing production area to improve Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People. 
• 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 surface 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 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 the 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 judgment. 
• Quality orientation/attention to detail with a high initiative and bias for action. 
• Ability to work within a team environment.  

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.