Process Engineer

**Job Title: Process Engineer**
**Work Location: Bay of Plenty, New Zealand**

**Job Summary**:
The Process Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, and R&D, to drive process improvements and maintain operational excellence.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Process Optimization & Efficiency Improvement**:

- Evaluate existing manufacturing processes to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions to enhance performance.
- Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to reduce waste and improve yield.
- Develop, configure, and optimize processes for increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety compliance.
- Conduct time and motion studies, workflow analysis, and bottleneck identification.
- Monitor and adjust production parameters to maintain process stability and product consistency.

**Equipment & Maintenance Support**:

- Work closely with the maintenance team to ensure equipment uptime and reliability.
- Assist in troubleshooting and diagnosing failures in industrial machinery.
- Recommend modifications to improve equipment performance and longevity.
- Support the implementation of predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
- Evaluate new technology and automation solutions to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

**Quality Control & Compliance**:

- Ensure that all processes comply with ISO, GMP, HACCP, FDA, OSHA, or other industry-specific regulatory requirements.
- Develop and implement process control plans (PCPs) to maintain product quality.
- Collaborate with the quality assurance team to analyze defects, deviations, and non-conformances.
- Lead investigations and root cause analysis (RCA) for process failures and deviations.
- Recommend and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for quality improvements.

**Data Collection & Performance Monitoring**:

- Use statistical analysis and process modeling software to track process performance and efficiency.
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure process effectiveness.
- Maintain detailed process documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
- Provide detailed reports on process performance, identifying areas for further improvement.

**Safety & Environmental Considerations**:

- Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols to minimize workplace hazards.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and implement sustainability initiatives.
- Develop energy and resource optimization strategies to reduce operational costs and waste.
- Promote a culture of safety by training employees on best practices and process improvements.

**New Product Development & Scale-up**:

- Support the introduction of new products by developing and refining manufacturing processes.
- Collaborate with R&D, engineering, and production teams to scale up pilot projects.
- Evaluate raw materials and alternative processing techniques for improved product performance.

**Project Management & Cross-functional Collaboration**:

- Manage and execute process improvement projects from concept to implementation.
- Collaborate with supply chain, procurement, and logistics teams to optimize material flow and reduce lead times.
- Work closely with automation and IT teams to integrate Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT, AI, and machine learning.
- Participate in cost-reduction initiatives and capital expenditure planning.

**Qualifications & Skills**:
**Educational Background**:

- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- Master’s degree (preferred but not required) in Process Engineering, Manufacturing Systems, or a related field.

**Technical Skills**:

- Strong knowledge of process engineering principles, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and material science.
- Experience with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) for process design and layout optimization.
- Proficiency in process simulation and modeling software (Aspen Plus, MATLAB, Minitab, ANSYS, or similar tools).
- Hands-on experience with PLC, SCADA, automation, and control systems.
- Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred).
- Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) such as Limble, SAP.

**Soft Skills**:

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.
- Project management experience with the ability to lead and drive initiatives.
- Detail-oriented with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.

**Preferred Experience**:

- 3+ years of experience in process engineering in pet food or food manufacturing, or industrial operations.
- Industry experience in plastics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, chemicals, automotive, or heavy manufacturing is a plus.
- Familiarity wi