Industrial Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary roles and responsibilities for this position is to optimize an industrial process for the manufacture of biochar.  Primary focus is to produce ongoing improvements for the production of the highest quality biochar and maintain production and quality to ensure year-round operation.  This individual will maintain quality standards, increase productivity, eliminate wastefulness, and reduce costs.

DAILY OVERSIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Understand kiln operation and continually improve production through analyzing trends, solving issues to increase productivity, eliminate wastefulness, and reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
• Review kiln design and look for improvements that will prevent mechanical and structural failures. Locate sources of problems by observing equipment in operation, listening for problems and solving problems within expected timeframes.
• Work with Plant Manager to review feeders, conveyors, and belt feeders for preparation of final product for transport.
• Set and update production standards through applying standard data and performing time study(s).
• Conduct capacity analysis to be sure that production process(es) are able to grow with client demand.
• Create and maintain process documentation (work instructions, quality standards, etc.).
• Inspect, diagnose and work with the production team to perform minor and major work on all equipment.
• Perform operations and manage routine maintenance programs for production systems to maintain requirements for high temperature kilns and ensure production standards are being met.
• Work with a team to ensure the removal/replacement of defective parts, proper adjustments are made for functionality and communicate outcomes and irregularities.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment.
• Maintain production and maintenance logs.
• Maintain compliance with all railroad rules and regulations under the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for safe operations.
• Adhere to and promote safe work practices as determined by the railroad and the Company.
• Participate in group discussions that include crew meetings, job briefings, safety meetings, and effective work through all performance management reviews and concerns.
• Other duties, tasks, and responsibilities that may be assigned at any time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION 

• Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or other related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in the manufacturing environment with a focus on industrial manufacturing. Experience operating high temperature machinery such as kilns, boilers, or furnaces is desired.
• Must be able to operate mechanical equipment following training and evaluate operational needs.
• Able to facilitate continuous process improvement.
• Knowledgeable on manufacturing processes and methods of operation.
• Must be comfortable with mathematical calculation.
• Intermediate knowledge of Google Workspace apps and comfortable in learning other PC related applications.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently as well as within collaboration with the team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and desire to learn new processes and technology.
• Must be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines established. Brings excellent organization and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Uses good judgment taking ownership for decisions. Desire to learn and teach others.
• Brings a positive attitude and a high level of professionalism.
• Ability to work extended hours during the day, and work on weekends as needed.

Safety Responsibilities:

• Safety protocols are extremely important to follow.  
• Follow all safety training and procedures displaying clear understanding through demonstration of safe work practices.
• Refer to and comply with instructions, requests, orders, and information posted within bulletins, memorandums, rules and regulatory guidance/manuals.
• Must be able to complete and pass requirements for background check and drug screening.
• Ability to obtain eRailSafe, ISNetworld and Railroad Worker Protection badges and approval required as well as completing and passing all required railroad training.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS           

Position reports to the Director of Operations and is expected to operate under minimal supervisory involvement, depending on the task and the incumbent’s knowledge and ability to complete the task.  All other staff remain available for information, advice, guidance, or assistance if needed and may provide training, coaching, and feedback as appropriate. This position does not necessarily supervise other employees.

GUIDELINES AND TOOLS 

Guidelines that will help the incumbent in this position achieve success and follow company procedures include: 

• Employee Handbook  
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 
• Mission and Values Statement 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The Industrial Engineer will frequently stand, walk, climb, and move throughout the workday, use their hands, repeat the same movements, and bend or twist their body while handling products and conducting work. Must be able to lift and carry up to 75 lbs.  Frequently move objects up to 50 lbs.  Exposed to loud noise with possible exposure to live tracks and trains as well as high voltage areas.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The physical environment requires the employee to work outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.  This position works in a very manual work environment with frequent outdoor exposure and work within the production environment.