Hillcrest -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, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Job Title:  Process Improvement Engineer

Job Summary: 

This position is located at the Milliken Hillcrest Plant located in Simpsonville, SC and reports to the location’s Engineering Services Manager.  The position is responsible for leading continuous improvement efforts at the site in our engineering services area.  It plays a key role in the development and implementation of manufacturing process improvements that reduce maintenance and engineering breakdowns, drive new performance levels, improve product consistency and reduce cost.

Plant and Location: 

The Milliken Hillcrest Plant was built in 1968 and is a leading supplier of nonwoven fabrics for the automotive industry.  The plant has had a number of expansions throughout the years, and has industry certifications including OSHA VPP, IATF 16949 and ISO 14001.

Simpsonville is a thriving city in a great location, just 20 minutes from downtown Greenville, and an hour and a half from both Charlotte and Atlanta.  The area is known for having diverse industries and has earned a reputation for its fast-paced economic growth. Simpsonville has everything you can find to enhance the quality of life, including great shopping areas, parks, live music venues, movie theaters, excellent restaurants, golf courses, and country clubs. From small boutiques to big box retail stores, this city is the perfect blend of urban and metro.

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
• Engage with team members on understanding equipment functionality to identify inefficiencies and potential improvements
• Prepare diagrams, charts, tables to reflect findings and support recommendations

Focus on continuous improvement to drive safety, machine efficiency, and cost

• Analyze problems and implement solutions using critical thinking skills and focused improvement methods – This includes Zero Failure Analysis on electrical/mechanical failures
• 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
• Work directly with equipment OEMs and parts suppliers to understand equipment innovations that solve plant challenges

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 Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred)
• Previous manufacturing experience (intern, co-op, or full-time)
• Textile nonwovens knowledge / experience

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.