Process Engineer

Overview

Knauf Insulation North America is the world's fastest-growing insulation manufacturer. We are wholly committed to the conservation of the environment while also sustainably developing and manufacturing a comprehensive line of acoustical fiberglass insulation for residential, commercial, industrial, marine, OEM and metal building applications, using post-consumer recycled materials.

We welcome passionate and creative individuals who thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative and ever-changing environment. 

Our benefits go beyond just providing coverage. 

We’re committed to the whole you – your health, wealth, peace of mind, self and community. 

Our benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision – starting on day one!
• Virtual Medical Services
• Fertility and adoption benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (earn 100% matching on your first 6% contribution and fully vested day one)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid Family Leave
• Company provided Salary Continuance (Short-term Disability)
• Company paid life insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Plus, more!

Growth opportunities available! 

Apply online or contact us to hear why our employees appreciate being part of the Knauf family!

About the Role:

Are you passionate about driving innovation and optimizing manufacturing processes? Join our team as a Process Engineer and play a pivotal role in enhancing the furnace, batch, and binder processes across our state-of-the-art fiberglass manufacturing facilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Corporate Engineering, R&D, Plant Engineering, and Production, to develop cutting-edge process improvements and tackle complex product and technical challenges.

If you thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to make a tangible impact, this is your chance to shape the future of fiberglass manufacturing with us!

Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery of glass to the Process Group, ensuring it meets required standards for viscosity, temperature, and chemical composition.
• Manage furnace operations to maintain optimal performance, proper maintenance, and efficient process settings.
• Oversee and maintain the inventory of refractory materials to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Stay up-to-date on the relationship between glass chemistry and its properties to drive process improvements.
• Supervise the plant's recycled water system, including filtration, treatment, and disposal, ensuring compliance with environmental and operational standards.
• Conduct in-depth technical analyses of manufacturing and process data, leveraging insights to enhance processes and exceed customer expectations.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute furnace maintenance and repair activities, utilizing both internal and external resources effectively.
• Manage all batch house operations, including raw material unloading, mixing, and overall process efficiency.
• Monitor and maintain raw material inventory to support uninterrupted production.
• Continuously identify and implement innovative ideas and methods to improve manufacturing capabilities, efficiency, and productivity.
• Collaborate with the Process Engineering Manager to execute projects aimed at achieving departmental goals, including cost reduction, productivity improvements, process optimization, capacity expansion, scrap reduction, and product enhancements.
• Lead and contribute to cross-functional projects focused on process and product optimization, innovation, cost efficiency, and other strategic business initiatives.
• Drive the highest level of employee retention and engagement to ensure a sustainable workforce.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability within the organization.
• Instill an environment of inclusion, where all employees feel that they can contribute and impact the company in a positive manner.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Ceramic Engineering, or a related field.
• Lean Certifications and/or Green/Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in Process or Manufacturing Engineering within a similar environment.
• Industry experience in glass or insulation manufacturing is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of chemistry as it applies to glass, binder, and wash water processes in manufacturing.
• Familiarity with furnace and fiberization processes is preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of machinery design, functionality, and large industrial equipment.
• Proficiency in SAP and Minitab is preferred.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing regulations, standards, and Continuous Improvement methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma tools.
• Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate across all levels of the plant, as well as with Corporate Engineering and R&D teams.
• Ability to interpret and create technical drawings, write work instructions, and develop procedures.
• Skilled in directing maintenance and repair activities for equipment.
• Hands-on approach with a collaborative mindset to engage with employees and identify process or system improvements.
• Leadership and coaching abilities to guide and develop team members.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to handle conflict resolution professionally.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

It is the policy of Knauf Insulation to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic prohibited by applicable law.