Sustainability & Process Engineer
The Sustainability & Process Engineer works within our Research and Development team by leading product development efforts that are focused on recycling, energy efficient production and that drive reductions to our global carbon footprint. This person formulates and maintains a collaborative relationship with internal and external customers including vendors, operations, engineering and R&D and other departments within Paragon Films. The Sustainability & Process Engineer will participate in or lead long or short-term projects, utilizing their knowledge of extrusion process and polymers to develop and deliver on project timelines, objectives and outcomes. This role will manage and relay data regarding sustainability efforts in production development to demonstrate progress toward meeting corporate sustainability goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Work with Director of Research and Development to initiate the development of sustainable machine film for Paragon Film's product line.
- Research, vet and qualify PCR suppliers to establish valuable, long-term relationships, auditing their processes and product quality to as it relates to consistency and film performance.
- Enhance and solidify test procedures for PCR materials, performing lot to lot comparisons and test trials on various production lines.
- Lead stringent qualification process for materials, focusing on supply, manufacturing process and film performance.
- Utilizing extrusion process knowledge and knowledge of polymers, identify and troubleshoot limitations of new resin.
- Develop and fine tune film performance expectations to meet Paragon Films standard quality requirements.
- Measure and monitor resin lot to lot consistency.
- Utilize project management skills to coordinate test trials and provide deliverables to appropriate parties by established deadlines.
- Work with marketing department to develop promotional material in relation to Paragon's sustainability messaging.
- Work with sales department in identifying customer requirements to reach sustainability goals.
- Work with sales department to identify closed loop recycling opportunities.
- Work with Director of Research and Development to identify additional areas of opportunity outside of PCR films to enhance product, processes and opportunities for new product.
- Working closely with Director of Corporate Engineering to assist with the design, preparation, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring of a wide scope of projects within Paragon from an engineering perspective
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE/SKILL/ABILITY
- Extensive extrusion process knowledge, preferably within stretch film industry
- Demonstrated project management skills within a professional environment as it relates to planning, carrying out and completing large scope projects
- Proven ability to lead, mentor and manage individuals from a leadership perspective
- Strong technical aptitude with an excellent understanding and strong troubleshooting skills within manufacturing industry and extrusion equipment
- Demonstrated analytical ability in relation to project management, resolution of problems
- Ability & experience to successfully communicate with external contractors and equipment suppliers to build long term, lasting relationships
- Proven ability to successfully work in a collaborate relationship with multiple departments
- Negotiation and conflict management skills together with demonstrated experience troubleshooting and problem solving
- The ability to adapt to fast-paced rapid changes, and to manage multiple tasks, while handling unexpected delays or events. All while maintaining constant attention to detail discerning the correct prioritization of each project assigned
- Organized, motivated self-starter, with ability to prioritize tasks
- High level of attention to detail and problem-solving ability
- Strong written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills, strong presentation skills including technical writing and above average documentation skills, with ability to effectively explain, demonstrate and train employees on policy and procedures
- Advanced MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Project Management Software, CAD systems
- Organized self-starter with ability to adapt to fast paced; rapid changes, with ability to juggle multiple tasks and handle unexpected delays or events, all while maintaining constant attention to detail
- Practice and promote teamwork and servant leadership style within the organization
- High level of dependability regarding attendance and punctuality
- Strong understanding of stretch film process, extrusion equipment, and related support equipment for the extrusion manufacturing process
- Assists with training employees on new processes, equipment or procedures
PREFERRED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, with emphasis on Plastics Engineering
- Prefer five to six years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
- Ability to bend, stoop, twist at the waist, squat as is required of office environment
- Ability to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms
- Ability to safely and independently navigate a production floor, lab or warehouse facility through the use of sight and hearing
- Ability to perform basic manual dexterity tasks, typing, dialing, writing, stapling, etc. as required to utilize office equipment
- Ability to climb stairs
- Ability to regularly lift up to 5lbs
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 10lbs
- Ability to rarely lift up to 50lbs
- Ability to sit for duration of flights or long car rides as well as have the capability to travel via airway and/or vehicular travel
- Ability to understand and communicate verbally
- Ability to meet requirements of and utilize PPE when required
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions but could be exposed to warmer temperature environments such as a warehouse or production floor. (Typical office/administrative work environment.)
SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS: Requires adherence to deadlines and project completion deadlines with ability to travel within a range of 20-80% of the time.