PROCESS ENGINEER

POSITION SUMMARY

The Process Engineer supports the identification and development of strategically significant technical solutions in consultation with Engineering Management and Sr. Technical Management. The outcome of this work will be the implementation of product and process technologies that provide Nylabone with new opportunities for profitable growth. This position requires an expert level understanding of unit operations and materials needed for product/process research in the area of injection molding and related systems. This includes planning and execution of basic technical projects and support of complex technical projects related to the design, development, scale-up, and commercialization of new process technologies. The ability to support the proposal and evaluation of possible innovations based on a combination of technical and business understanding is expected.

COMPANY PROFILE

Nylabone is a division of Central Garden & Pet. We are on a mission to lead the future of the pet industry. The Company’s innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping pets live healthier and communities grow stronger. Since 1955, Nylabone has been making the world’s best chew toys, long-lasting edible chews, and dental solutions for dogs of every age, breed, shape, and size. Nylabone chews best!

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Provide engineering expertise for process improvements and projects including equipment relocation, facility construction, and equipment design, acquisition and installation.

Process Optimization:

• Analysis of existing process to support data-based decision making. Conducts feasibility studies, analysis and testing of purchased materials and development of required test procedures in accordance with the product specification and regulatory requirements.
• Proposal of basic and support of complex changes to process, materials, and equipment to optimize productivity, cost, and safety.
• Aids in the developing and managing of related technical support required for outsourcing, re-sourcing, or low cost country sourcing projects to achieve best total costs for operations

Project Initiation and Execution:

• Develop specifications for acquisition, installation, and operation of new and existing equipment required for basic projects to accommodate process, product, and packaging specifications. Supports the same for complex projects.
• Researches and analyzes data such as internal design proposal, specifications and manuals to determine feasibility and requirements of external supply for basic projects.
• Assures supplier involvement and ability to support design and manufacturability of products or systems, and assists supplier in products and systems to interface machines, hardware, and software
• Oversee basic project implementation, including vendor support, installation contractors, training, and start-up. Provides support for complex projects in a similar manner.

General duties:

• Provide engineering and technical support to Maintenance and Production to aid in troubleshooting, automation, and improved and safe machinery performance.
• Basic engineering economic analysis, including analysis of quotations provided by suppliers and track the impact of engineering changes on product cost
• Supports sourcing in directing and coordinating fabrication and installation activities with selected source(s) to ensure products and systems conform to engineering design and customer specifications and product quality and reliability
• Support supplier selection and supplier management in a disciplined process (e.g. Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)

IDEAL CANDIDATE ATTRIBUTES

• Bachelor’s degree program in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or other relevant programs.
• Experience with plastics engineering required.
• Plastics Injection Molding experience strongly desired
• Prior food extrusion knowledge/experience a plus
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong communication, interpersonal, negotiation, consensus-building, and analytical skills with the ability to work successfully individually as well as in cross functional teams in an organized, fast paced environment while meeting time sensitive deadlines.
• Proactive individual who manages with sound decision making and project execution skills
• Possesses knowledge and hands-on leadership core values and keen people skills driving the sourcing organization in support of the product development team(s)
• TQM, lean Six Sigma or Practical Process Improvement (PPI) experience a plus

At Central Garden & Pet (NASDAQ: CENT and CENTA), we believe home is at the center of our lives, and our employees are driven by our purpose to nurture happy and healthy homes. Our company is made up of thousands of people across North America, with an emerging footprint across the U.K., Mexico, China, and Canada - all dedicated to helping gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. We are united by our mission to lead the future of the garden and pet industries…one blade of grass and one wagging tail at a time.

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