Process Engineer (Manufacturing & Plant Operations)

POSITION SUMMARYThe Engineer is a critical operational role responsible for optimizing Vanguard Soap's manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and plant performance. This role operates as both a hands-on technical expert and continuous improvement driver, with a strong presence on the production floor.This individual will own and improve core manufacturing systems - including reaction vessels, spray drying towers, boilers, pumps, and wastewater systems - while ensuring safe, efficient, and scalable operations. The Engineer will play a central role in troubleshooting downtime, improving process capability, and building standardized, repeatable manufacturing processes. This role requires a proactive, assertive leader who can operate both strategically and tactically, working side-by-side with maintenance, production, and leadership team members.The Vanguard manufacturing campus is a 14-acre site producing 40–50 million pounds annually with 100+ employees, requiring disciplined engineering, strong operational partnership, and a continuous improvement mindset.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESEngineering Leadership & Plant PartnershipServe as a key partner to Operations, Maintenance, and Quality to drive plant performance Maintain a strong, visible presence on the production floor Lead and support maintenance technicians and operators in resolving equipment and process issues Act as a first responder to critical downtime events, driving rapid root cause identification and resolution Process Optimization & Continuous ImprovementIdentify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes Analyze production data to improve yield, throughput, and cost efficiency Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies Standardize best practices across lines, shifts, and product types Equipment Reliability & Maintenance EngineeringImprove reliability and performance of key plant systems: Reaction vessels Spray drying towers Boilers and utilities Pumps and fluid systems Wastewater treatment systems Partner with Maintenance to develop preventive and predictive maintenance strategies Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and new installations Process Documentation & StandardizationDevelop, maintain, and validate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process flow documentation Ensure processes are repeatable, scalable, and audit-ready Train plant personnel on updated procedures and best practices Root Cause Problem SolvingLead structured root cause analysis for equipment failures, process deviations, quality issues Implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) Track and report on improvement effectiveness Capital Projects & Engineering ExecutionSupport plant capital planning and execution Lead or contribute to equipment selection and design, installation and commissioning, process validation, and startup Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and meet operational requirements Safety, Compliance & Environmental StewardshipEnsure all engineering activities align with safety standards and regulatory requirements Support safe operation of all manufacturing and utility systems Partner on environmental initiatives, including wastewater and emissions management Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with: Quality on process capability and product consistency, Supply Chain on material flow and constraints, R&D on product trials and scale-up Serve as a technical bridge between plant operations and leadership KEY CAPABILITIESHands-on, plant-first engineering mindsetStrong mechanical and process engineering acumenProactive, assertive, high-accountability leadership styleAbility to troubleshoot complex systems under pressureData-driven decision-making with practical execution focusStrong cross-functional collaboration and influenceContinuous improvement orientation (Lean / Six Sigma mindset) QUALIFICATIONS3–7+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing (CPG, chemical, or process manufacturing preferred) Experience working in a plant environment with direct production interaction Proven success improving equipment reliability and process performance Experience with process documentation, SOPs, and continuous improvement initiatives Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills EDUCATIONBachelor's degree required. Preferred majors: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering