Process Engineer with Apex International- Eden Prairie or Chaska location

Job DescriptionJob Description

At Apex International, we pride ourselves on being a high-quality manufacturer of over the counter personal care, and household products. We create collaborative partnerships with customers ranging from global Fortune 100 companies to entrepreneurial start-ups.

We are currently seeking a Process Engineer at either our Eden Prairie or Chaska location. This role will report to the VP of Maintenance and Engineering and will be a critical member of implementing and maintaining key processes throughout the entire Compounding and Filling operation that enhance the capacity and capability to support business growth. In partnership with Operations, Maintenance and Engineering, R&D, and Business Development, the successful candidate would ensure that we have the right systems and processes to manufacture the best quality products as efficiently as possible. This role will also be integral in exploring new technologies to advance our capability or future growth.

Job Summary

The Process Engineer with Apex International is an engineering professional with experience in a manufacturing environment and preferability in a consumer packaged goods environment (food, beverages, makeup, and/or household products). This role will be focused on testing and evaluating processes and procedures to locate inefficiencies, make recommendations, and implement improvements to
quality, productivity, safety, and cost. The main objective of this role is to create maximum product yield while working collaboratively with our production and corporate teams.

Key Job Accountabilities

• Identify, evaluate, develop, specify, justify, install, and start-up process improvements to increase production yield, improve operating reliability, reduce manufacturing costs, reduce energy usage, conserve raw materials, improve product yields, and improve product quality.
• Conducting research to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing.
• Support capacity and capability advancements to enable new product development and successful commercialization.
• Put forward, lead, and direct cost improvement initiatives to meet business objectives to include, but not limited to, quality, efficiency, and cost-focused projects.
• Participate in any opportunity to enhance safety, upgrade environmental safeguards, and provide for the overall optimization of process operation.
• Assist in the development of safety procedures for individuals working with hazardous chemicals.
• Provide ongoing engineering assistance to operations, including troubleshooting of process operating problems, conducting special tests, developing reports, providing technical assistance as required and reporting of production status.
• Represent and/or assist production and engineering in matters of evaluation, selection and coordination, and control of vendors supplying necessary operating services, consulting services, materials, equipment, and other operation needs.
• Conduct process scope development for capital projects (justifications, conceptual design, etc.) Review proposed capital work for technical feasibility, operability, and project management as needed.
• Manage cross-functional process capability projects with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and R&D to improve existing performance and to support new product development.
• Work collaboratively with members from cross-functional team to make operational and process advancements utilizing continuous improvement techniques and practices.
• Participate in Environmental, Health, and Safety initiatives as set forth by the company.

Required Experience and Skills

• 3-7 years of previous experience in a process engineering or similar role is critical for this position, preferably within a consumer-packaged goods (or related) industry is given the highest priority
• An Engineering degree is but not required.
• Proven track record of independently managing projects from conception to completion.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and cohesively with a multicultural and diverse
  team and influence other departments and senior managers.
• Advanced computer skills, including the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
• Process certifications, such as a Six Sigma belt is but not required.
• Project management certification through the Project Management Institute, American Society for the Advancement of Project Management, or other project certification is but not required.
• Advanced presentation and influential skills, proven ability to speak and present to all
  members of an organization, including both technical and non-technical audiences.

Physical requirements

• Must be able to lift 40 lbs and climb ladders and stairs. Walking, bending, and stooping is required.

Work Demands

• This position could require significant work hours beyond the normal workday as required by the business cycle, customer volume of business, and specific sales efforts underway. It has a high demand for tight deadlines. This position will experience moderate interruption in workflow. It has a low rate of overnight and day travel.

Work Schedule

• This position usually works 8-10 hours between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. However, the hours of work are flexible and will fluctuate based on the needs of the business and the customers. The job may require a maximum of 5-20 hours of work beyond the normal work-week schedule, depending on work demands. The work hours can vary depending on customer requirements and staffing.

Benefits:

• Annual starting salary range of $88,500 - $100,000 DOE
• Medical, Rx, Dental and vision benefits
• Company paid Short term & Long-term
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Optional Life Insurance for employee, spouse and children
• Flexible Spending Account options for child and health care
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program

Additional Information

Apex International's dynamic nature, unwavering commitment to quality, implementation of Lean Manufacturing practices, financial strength, unwavering focus on customer satisfaction and problem-solving employees have propelled us to become a prominent industry leader in contract manufacturing for the personal and home care sector.

As a leader in contract manufacturing, Apex stands out due to:

1. Unrivaled commitment to quality: Apex sets itself apart with its measurable advantage in delivering products of the highest quality standards.
2. Emphasis on Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement: Apex is dedicated to implementing Lean Manufacturing practices, constantly seeking ways to optimize processes and enhance efficiency.
3. As a privately held company with strong financial stability, Apex ensures reliability and long-term partnership opportunities.
4. Customer-focused and problem-solving employees: Apex boasts a team of highly skilled and dedicated employees who excel in customer service and possess exceptional problem-solving abilities. Our commitment to meeting customer needs is unparalleled.

Apex International Inc. is an equal-opportunity Employer.

Keywords and relevant job titles

• continuous improvement, industrial engineer, chemical engineer, Six Sigma, 5S, kaizen, product engineer, compounding, quality, production, black belt, green belt, DMAIC, personal care product, make-up, cosmetics, packaging, customer-facing, customer focus, solutions engineering, leadership