Hillcrest Plant - Process Improvement Professional

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, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Job Title:  Process Improvement Engineer/Specialist

Job Summary: 

This position is located at the Milliken Hillcrest Plant located in Simpsonville, SC and reports to the Senior Production 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. 

Key Responsibilities:

Own the process - develop knowledge and build on experience to support daily operations

• Develop a thorough understanding of all factors and conditions that impact the processes and products, including environmental impacts
• Prepare diagrams, charts, tables to reflect findings and support recommendations
• Develop and modify process specifications to ensure products exceed customer expectations
• Perform daily process audits to ensure equipment is setup and running at optimal levels
• Work closely with the Product Development area to create new samples and products

Focus on continuous improvement to drive safety, quality and cost

• Analyze problems and implement solutions using critical thinking skills and focused improvement methods
• Use sound project management skills to manage multiple improvement projects
• Incorporate creative thinking into the problem solving approach to identify unique and different ways to make things better/more consistent/faster/cheaper/efficient
• Prepare diagrams, charts, tables to reflect findings and support recommendations
• Interact with customers as needed to ensure optimal product quality for their processes

Be a valued contributor in a team oriented culture

• Communicate and work effectively with a diverse group of associates to accomplish project and plant goals
• Be a leader in the plantwide safety process that supports plant and corporate initiatives

Qualifications - Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Qualifications - Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in [Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, etc.] engineering

• Previous manufacturing experience (intern, co-op, or fulltime)

The successful candidate will demonstrate strengths in the following:

• Communication skills – verbal, written, and group presentations
• Strong organization and work habits - Ability to manage multiple projects and work in a fast-paced environment
• Analytical/problem-solving skills in the areas of engineering, process flow, general equipment maintenance and product analysis
• Initiative – willing to challenge paradigms, try new things, learn from mistakes, and own the metrics
• Leadership skills

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.