Process Engineer

UW Interco, LLC

Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.  Apogee is a growing, profitable company with annual revenues approaching $1.5 billion.  We provide distinctive metal and glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings, and glass and acrylic solutions for picture framing and display applications. To learn more visit: www.apog.com.

The Apogee Large Scale Optical segment has grown from $100M to $200M in revenue through a recent acquisition.  Our brands in the LSO portfolio develop and manufacture high-performance coated materials for a variety of applications, including wall décor, museums, graphic design, architectural interiors, digital display, and industrial flooring markets.  We are the global leader in anti-reflective, conservation grade electrostatic dissipative, high-definition, and abrasion resistance coatings, that provide protection, innovative designs, and exceptional durability.

Position Summary

Primary responsibility is to continuously improve equipment and processes using principles of Lean and the Apogee Management Systems (AMS) to remove waste from the production workflow and reduce variation in results.  Plan, organize, and execute projects related to higher yields, increased equipment availability, and improved equipment and personnel performance.  Standardize and document processes by writing new procedures or updating existing procedures. Teach, coach and train others to promote the sharing of knowledge across departments and shifts. Implement waste reduction by working with supervisors, engineers and others to improve efficiencies, yields, and ergonomics.

Responsibilities

• Improve equipment performance related to mechanical, pneumatic, robotic and other systems.  This includes the startup, testing, and field modifications to new and existing equipment
• Standardize and document processes by writing new procedures or updating existing procedures.
• Teaching, coaching and training others to promote the sharing of knowledge across departments and shifts. 
• Use critical thinking skills to correctly recognize, assess, and resolve problems.  Identify root causes of product defects and low productivity, and implement solutions to prevent reoccurrence.
• Coordinate the process of defining and generating operational parameters in relevant systems to support job costing, labor planning, and requests for quotes.
• Support multiple individual and/or team projects while handling multiple tasks to successfully meet all deadlines.  Function as project leader when assigned.
• Plan, organize, and execute new projects related to higher yields, increased uptime, and improved cycle times.
• Document and communicate project status, changes, and other information to managers, engineers, and technicians.
• Enhance relationships and contacts with suppliers and other resources to assure appropriate and cost-effective process development, resource use, and other functions related to operation and repair of equipment. 
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, both technical and market based.
• Initiate and support continuous improvement that yields a reduction of waste, variation, and employee fatigue in processes by using established improvement processes.
• Support, understand, and coach others in understanding and use of lean tools and Six Sigma.
• Cross train in related functions and assist others in obtaining cross-functional capabilities.
• Implement controls to reduce variation present in established and new processes. 
• Meet established personal and company performance measures.
• Learn, understand, and follow documented work procedures.
• Must be able to travel and work off-shifts as needed.

Personal Attributes and Experience

• 2-year technical degree or certificate in related field and 2-4 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.  BS Engineering degree preferred.
• Working knowledge of instruments, tools, process control equipment, and processes for analysis of this type of equipment.
• Technical knowledge to operate and troubleshoot in the following areas:
  • Pumps, conveyors, washers, and other equipment peripheral to the manufacturing processes.
  • Mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and basic electrical systems.
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, and Microsoft Project.  Relevant job-specific software may be required.
  • Assimilate new or upgraded technology as appropriate to the business.
  • Kuka/ABB/Fanuc Robot Knowledge.
  • Experience with CNC machinery programming and operation.
  • Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLC), primarily Allen Bradley.
• Basic project planning and management skills.
• Familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma concepts and Six Sigma formal training highly desirable, Green Belt or higher preferred.
• Work effectively in independent and team environments and willingness to coach others.
• Support continuous improvement through idea generation and culture promotion.
• Contribute effectively in the analysis and design of large projects.
• A strong mechanical aptitude.
• Manage time and workload efficiently, including the ability to prioritize tasks accordingly to manage multiple projects to a timely completion.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to discuss, develop, and implement action plans to meet target conditions.
• Effective problem-solving skills which includes root cause identification through observation and investigation.
• Detail orientated work.

Working Conditions

This job is primarily performed in an office environment.  The noise level in the office is generally moderate.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently interacts with individuals on the plant floor, near moving mechanical parts.  The noise level in the production environment is usually loud.

Apogee and our brands are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.