Tunnel Kiln Process Manager - Fairfield, AL

Job Description

The Tunnel Kiln Process Manageris a specialized and critical position accountable for contributing to HarbisonWalker Internationals overall business performanceby providing manufacturing engineering and operations support to the Kiln operations which includes gas fired tunnel/periodic kilns and dryers.This position will determine needs through teams, tasks or projects relating to the firing process.This position will develop methods and processes to improve existing products as well as processes for the manufacture of new products.This position will support manufacturing improvement initiatives including improvement related to defect reduction and/or process control improvement in order to reduce costs.

Responsibilities

• Managing and improving kiln structure throughout HarbisonWalker International's operations.
• Designing and implementing drying/curing systems on a national level.
• Developing standard operating procedures to guide plant operators regarding safety, quality and stability of operations; authors, modifies and documents furnace programs, safe operation procedures, construction drawings and preventative maintenance requirements.
• Managing furnace purchases and rebuilds; analyzing current and future expense and capital needs to maintain and improve operations.
• Troubleshooting in critical areas such as combustion, mechanical and temperature control; identifying opportunities for improved safe furnace construction; consulting on process technology for any new application.
• Providing leadership, technical expertise, knowledge and process engineering skills to meet goals and objectves, applying knowedlge of basic engineering principles and methods to resolve challenges, lead problem solving initiatives, inclduing root cause identification and resolution.
• Responsible for technical training of managers, supervisors and workers and improve firing, refire and final control of quality.
• Working with and facilitating alignment between manufacturing, development and upstream process experts to deliver change and improvement of firing technology capabilities.

Qualifications

• B. S. degree in Ceramic, Mechanical or Materials Engineering or related field required.
• Seven plus (7 ) years experience firing and managing kiln operations and progressive experience in manufacturing environment
• Three plus (3 ) years refractory/ceramic manufacturing experience.
• Master’s Degree in Engineering or MBA preferred
• Requires computer operation skills including, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, CAD, Oracle ERP and CMMS Software
• Project leadership experience
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and critical thinking skills
• Strong analytical, interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Thorough understanding of ceramic refractory processes and limitations
• Technical competence in ceramic, chemical and process engineering
• Thermal processing experience to manage legacy firing systems in addition to state of the art systems
• Knowledge of LEAN Manufacturing and LEAN Management principles
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standards Quality Management Systems
• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, NFPA and workers’ compensation regulations and practices

Salary : $130,688 - $160,688