Process Technician

The Process Technician serves as the technical expert for an assigned manufacturing area and is responsible for optimizing production processes, improving equipment performance, and ensuring consistent product quality. This role partners closely with Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality to troubleshoot process issues, support new equipment startup, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

The Process Technician is a hands-on problem solver who uses technical expertise, process knowledge, and data analysis to improve safety, reduce waste, increase productivity, and maintain stable manufacturing processes. This role plays a key part in supporting the operational readiness of the Van Wert facility while helping establish standardized, repeatable manufacturing processes that drive long-term operational excellence.

Safety

· Promote a safe working environment by identifying hazards, supporting risk assessments, and ensuring process changes comply with company safety standards.

Process Optimization

· Monitor and optimize manufacturing processes to ensure efficient, and consistent production.

· Monitor key process indicators including yield, scrap, downtime, throughput, cycle time, and OEE to identify trends and drive improvements.

· Develop and maintain process parameters, operating standards, and work instructions.

· Support process capability studies and validate process improvements.

Technical Support

· Serve as the first-line technical resource for production teams during equipment or process issues.

· Troubleshoot mechanical, process, and operational problems using structured root cause methodologies such as 5 Why, Fishbone, or A3 problem solving.

· Partner with Maintenance to identify root causes of equipment failures and improve equipment reliability.

· Support equipment commissioning, startup, and operational readiness for new manufacturing systems.

Continuous Improvement

· Lead and participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

· Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

· Identify opportunities to reduce scrap, improve yield, minimize downtime, and increase production efficiency.

· Lead or participate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement workshops.

Quality & Compliance

· Ensure manufacturing processes consistently meet quality standards and customer specifications.

· Support investigations related to product defects, process deviations, and customer complaints.

· Maintain accurate process documentation and support change management activities.

· Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and operating procedures.

Training & Collaboration

· Train operators and production employees on equipment operation, process controls, and standard work.

· Assist with developing training materials and standard operating procedures.

· Partner with Engineering, Production, Maintenance, and Quality to implement process improvements and new technologies.

· Support production during startup, changeovers, and process transitions.

Operational Excellence

· Support the site's Management Operating System (MOS) by participating in daily tier meetings, visual management, structured problem solving, and action follow-up.

· Drive standardization of manufacturing processes to improve repeatability and sustain process improvements.

· Associate's degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field; equivalent manufacturing experience will be considered.

· 3+ years of manufacturing experience supporting production processes in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

· Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, process controls, and equipment troubleshooting.

· Ability to analyze production data and identify opportunities for process improvement.

· Experience using structured problem-solving methodologies and root cause analysis.

· Strong mechanical aptitude and technical troubleshooting skills.

· Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing data systems.

· Experience in molded fiber, paper, pulp, packaging, plastics, food manufacturing, or other continuous manufacturing environments.

· Experience supporting greenfield startups or new equipment commissioning.

· Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, and statistical process control.

· Experience with PLC-controlled equipment and industrial automation.

· Familiarity with ERP, MES, or manufacturing reporting systems.

· Yellow Belt or Green Belt certification is a plus.