Lead Process Engineer

Classification:

Job Description:

Are you looking for a new challenge? Passionate about innovation? Want to work for a global company that values integrity, teamwork, and loyalty? 

At LATICRETE International, we aim to be the leading construction brand trusted globally for high-performance tile and stone installation systems and building finishing solutions. We’ve been in business for over 65 years, family-owned for three generations, and can be found in over 100 countries. The Hartford Business Journal even named us one of Connecticut’s top family-owned companies in 2017! 

We don't just make innovative, industry-leading products. Our purpose is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it. We strive to connect with, engage with and improve the lives of our employees, our customers, our partners, and the global communities in which we operate. 

We are seeking passionate and ambitious employees who want to make a difference not just within our organization, but within their communities, our industry, and the world. If that sounds like you, then what are you waiting for? Join the family and expand your horizons!

Just some of our benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k
• Tuition reimbursement
• 13 paid holidays in addition to paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible spending
• Life Insurance, AD&D and Supplemental Insurance

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Process Engineer is responsible for leading a team of Process Engineers focused on improving manufacturing performance, supporting plant operations, solving complex technical problems, and executing new product development (NPD) and defensive projects. This role partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, and Engineering leadership to improve safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and cost performance across the manufacturing network.

The Process Engineering Lead will drive continuous improvement initiatives, establish engineering standards and best practices, lead root cause investigations, and ensure resources are effectively aligned to support both short-term operational needs and long-term business objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, as necessary. 

Leadership & Team Development (50%)

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Process Engineers.

• Establish team priorities and allocate resources across multiple plants and projects.

• Set performance objectives and provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities.

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Develop engineering competencies, tools, and standard work across the organization.

Process Improvement (15%)

• Identify and implement process improvements that increase productivity, reduce waste, improve quality, and lower manufacturing costs.

• Identify areas for Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure process capability and operational effectiveness.

• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical methods to drive sustainable improvements.

• Support achievement of annual cost savings and operational excellence objectives.

Plant Operations Support (15%)

• Provide technical support to manufacturing facilities to resolve process-related issues impacting safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

• Partner with plant leadership to improve process stability and operational performance.

• Monitor manufacturing performance and proactively identify improvement opportunities.

• Support startup, commissioning, and optimization of production equipment and processes.

• Develop operating procedures, process documentation, and best practices.

Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving (10%)

• Lead investigation of significant quality, reliability, and production issues.

• Facilitate structured root cause analysis.

• Develop and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.

• Verify effectiveness and sustainability of implemented solutions.

• Drive a data-based approach to problem solving across manufacturing operations.

NPD and Defensive Projects (10%)

• Lead engineering efforts in bringing new products to market.

• Drive raw material change validation across all plants.

• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.

Specialized Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years’ engineering experience in a process manufacturing environment.

• Strong leadership skills.

• Experience leading other engineers and professionals.

• Self-starter, able to work alone with limited supervision.

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.

• Team player - maintain a positive, cooperative attitude with all employees of LATICRETE and all customers.

• Handles up to high complexity issues and problems and refers only the most difficult and complex issues to higher-level staff.

• Assists other team members on up to high complexity issues.

• Highly organized in scheduling, executing responsibilities and prioritizing in a multitask environment.

• Computer skills: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook. Mini-Tab or other similar software.

Travel Requirement: 

• Up to 50% (domestic and international).

• Must have or be able to obtain a passport.

Physical Requirements:

• Lift: Must be able to lift and/or carry a minimum of 50 pounds.   

• Push/Pull: Must be able to push/pull 25 pounds. 

• Standing: Must be able to stand at least 50-75% of the day. 

• Sitting: Must be able to sit 25-50% of the day.

• Twisting/Bending: Must be able to Twist/bend 50-75% of the day.

• Squatting, Climbing and/or Crawling: Must be able to squat/climb/crawl 20% of the day.