Advanced Manufacturing / Process Engineer: Jobs Available

Fabri-Kal is seeking a Process Engineer for its Kalamazoo, Mich. location. This is a full-time, mid-senior level position in plastics engineering.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job purpose:
Responsible for the development and enhancement of processing capabilities in thermoforming, extrusion, and supporting manufacturing processes.  Works with Forming Teams and Engineering functions to develop and implement processing continuous improvement efforts.  Supports initiatives requiring technical / engineering support in pursuit of achieving FK objectives in the areas of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.  Develops sustainable improvements through the ability to train and develop shop floor and plant technical staff.  

KEY JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Continuous Improvement and Problem Solving:  Initiate, develop and lead plant / forming team process initiatives to improve quality and output; supporting plant safety, delivery, cost and quality objectives.  Support quality and manufacturing functions thru effective execution of assigned improvement projects.  Provide solutions to problems thru sound root cause problem solving deployment.  Implement solutions effectively thru transfer into shop floor standard work
• Project development and implementation/management:  Initiate and or assist in the design, installation and commissioning of equipment in areas of responsibility.  Monitor modifications and upgrades and troubleshoot existing processes.  Integrate safety requirements and considerations into projects.  Work with manufacturing to develop standard work for setup, operation, and processing of new equipment.  Support Product Realization Projects both directly (team member), and indirectly (technical coach of team member) to achieve 1st time run success.
• Shop Floor Support/Standard Work:  Develop and support systems for thermoforming process using lean manufacturing principles. Work directly with assigned plant manufacturing areas to develop, implement, and monitor the effectiveness of standard work in the areas of S,Q,D,C.  Resource assigned help chain triggers.

Other duties as assigned
Desired Skills and Experience
• Four year technical degree with minimum 7 years relevant experience or similar combination of education and experience with history of progressive achievements.
• Thorough understanding of polymer behavior and processes
• Strong knowledge of engineering principles
• Training experience
• Good verbal, written and presentation skills
• Strong analytical, root cause problem solving and trouble shooting skills.
• Computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, SAP, etc.) required
• Experience working with lean concepts and activities

Company Description
Fabri-Kal was founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1950 with nine employees that manufactured hardware packaging. Today, Fabri-Kal is the sixth largest thermoformer in North America with more than 800 dedicated employees. Headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Fabri-Kal has three manufacturing locations in the United States.

Fabri-Kal is proud to be a leader in sustainable packaging. We are a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), and in line with that commitment, our newest facility earned LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Our selection of environmentally-friendly foodservice packaging continues to expand and now includes postconsumer recycled material and resins from plants.

Our dedication to delivering the best product quality and customer service in the foodservice industry is unparalleled. We employ a first class manufacturer’s representatives network.

Denso Manufacturing of Michigan is seeking a Process Engineer in Battle Creek. This is a full-time, mid-senior level position in automotive engineering.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Process Design (Failure Mode Analysis, Line Balancing, etc...), Equipment/Jig Specification, Justification, Installation, Testing, and Buyoff, Process Validation and Capability, EPIQS Process Documentation (PFMEA, Process Flow, Control Plan, QA-Net). Presentations for key NPI meetings (G-ESC milestone meetings), Coordination support for production trials, Prototype development, Process Support (from Design Reviews at prototype through Early Stage Control of mass production), Capacity and feasibility studies, facilitate design review process with QA NET and Kaizen teams-incorporate current process limitations into new product designs.

Support Leak and Scrap root cause analysis: Support Production with process improvements to address department scrap and leak goals.

Productivity: Work to improve process through machine improvements. Show payback and achieve executive approval for proposals considering cost, quality and delivery. Demonstrate process flow, labor balance, and cost per piece impact as part of decision matrix. Work with other engineering groups to plan new equipment. Lead planning and actual install events, support equipment training, line-off, and document buy-off condition incorporating ergo, safety and spare parts. Understand machine operation and making suggestions to improve machine operation ratios, net operator time and product flow.

Quality and credibility: Support all necessary manufacturing issues with high level activity for process safety concerns, customer quality concerns, supplier and/or vendor quality investigations, shipment concerns and product sort/rework activities. Support request from DENSO Japan Engineering team and other group companies. Field claim root cause analysis, basic tooling and machine design.

Manage projects from concept through completion: Using associate safety, product quality, TPS, and piece price as primary drivers. Prepare and present materials that explain background, concern, current condition, and countermeasure as requested. Display quick action, clear communication, and high level of professionalism. Communicate between support departments for open items. (Design, Quality, Production Control, Production, Business Planning, Purchasing, etc.)

Desired Skills and Experience
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelors degree in Engineering.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  Excellent self-management and project management skills (ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously). Ability to work in a team environment. Willingness to work overtime when required. Highly capable in the use of Microsoft Office Applications. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, time management and organization skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills, highly motivated and technically competent, innovative problem-solver that incorporates the plan, do, check, action methods. Ability to negotiate and prioritize, ability to multitask, willingness to travel (to support other group DENSO companies, customers, suppliers, etc.)

PREFERENCES:  Has experience justifying and receiving approval of large capital expenditures and experience in head exchanger manufacturing process. Knowledge in CAD software (AutoCAD and Solidworks), A proactive person who will seek out and implement additional tasks that will add value to DMMI, Heat Exchange Process Experience, HVAC Final Assembly Process Experience. Understanding of the DNA system (QANET). Ability to read and understand G, D, &T, Understanding of customer expectations (process documentation, quality standards, etc.). Minimum of 3 years experience in project leadership. Minimum of 3 years experience in Production/Process Engineering or related area. PFMEA & CONTROL PLAN Training, TS16949 Standards Training or Experience. Willingness to relocate (Ex-Patriate positions).

Company Description
DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. ?
DENSO came to Battle Creek, MI in 1984, bringing with it a unique culture, blending the best of American and Japanese practices: lean manufacturing, kaizen (continuous improvement) and teamwork. Our manufacturing facility in Battle Creek, MI was the first major U.S. manufacturing plant for DENSO.

DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc. is an industry leader in the design and production of advanced automotive heating and cooling components and systems, including radiators, heaters, blowers, condensers, evaporators and air conditioning units. Our customers include Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, GM, Subaru, BMW, Mitsubishi and Ford.

We are a two shift operation employing over 1,750 associates. We are a tobacco-free campus and offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including an on-site Pharmacy and Recreation Center.