Manufacturing Engineer

TEC Specialty Products is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to drive process improvement, quality system rigor, and capital project execution within our construction adhesives manufacturing operations. This role sits at the intersection of operations, quality, and engineering — partnering with production, R&D, and supply chain to improve throughput, reduce variation, and bring new equipment and product lines online safely and on schedule.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, structured problem-solving skills (RCCA, CAPA, 8D), and experience leading capital projects from scope through commissioning. Experience with SAP S/4HANA and dry-blend or powder manufacturing is a meaningful plus. This role requires up to 25% travel to support multi-site initiatives, equipment vendors, and capital projects.

Process Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (Kaizen, value-stream mapping, DMAIC, 5S, SMED) to improve OEE, yield, throughput, and labor efficiency.
• Analyze production data and downtime drivers to identify bottlenecks and root causes; implement countermeasures with measurable, sustained results.
• Develop and maintain standard work, SOPs, work instructions, and visual management tools across production lines.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence by training and coaching operators, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.

Capital Projects & Equipment

• Scope, justify (ROI / payback), and execute capital projects — from equipment selection and vendor management through installation, commissioning, validation, and handover to operations.
• Specify and procure production equipment, automation, and material handling systems; manage contractors and integrators on-site.
• Lead equipment FAT/SAT, PQ/OQ activities, and ensure proper documentation, spare parts strategy, and preventive maintenance plans are in place at startup.
• Support facility layout planning, line balancing, and process flow optimization to accommodate growth and new product introductions.

Root Cause Analysis & Corrective Action

• Lead structured root-cause analysis (5-Why, Fishbone, 8D) and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for nonconformances, customer complaints, scrap, rework, and recurring downtime events.
• Drive Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) to closure with verified effectiveness — not just containment — and document learnings so issues don't recur on adjacent lines or products.
• Partner with the Quality team on internal audits, document control, and Management of Change (MOC) reviews for process, equipment, raw material, and formulation changes.
• Develop process control plans, control charts (SPC), and inspection criteria to reduce variation and ensure consistent product quality.

Cross-Functional Support

• Collaborate with R&D and Product Management to scale new formulations from pilot to full production, including process validation and first-article qualification.
• Work with EHS to ensure all engineering changes meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Support production planning, supply chain, and customer service by translating operational realities into reliable schedules and lead times.

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent technical discipline).
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in a process, batch, or discrete manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean / continuous improvement projects with quantified results (cost, throughput, quality, safety).
• Demonstrated experience with structured problem-solving — RCCA, CAPA, 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone — and the discipline to drive issues to verified, sustained closure.
• Track record of successfully managing capital projects (scope, budget, schedule) from concept through commissioning.
• Strong analytical and data skills (Excel at minimum; Power BI, Minitab, or similar a plus).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to influence across operators, technicians, engineers, and senior leadership.

• Experience with SAP S/4HANA in a manufacturing context — production orders, BOMs, routings, inventory, master data, and reporting.
• Powder, dry-blend, or dry-mix manufacturing experience (mixers, blenders, baghouses, pneumatic conveying, bulk bag handling, packaging lines).
• Experience in construction products, building materials, cementitious products, or specialty chemicals.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management system frameworks.
• PMP or equivalent project management credential.
• Familiarity with PLC/HMI systems, automation, and basic controls troubleshooting.

• Bias for action — comfortable on the plant floor, not just behind a desk.
• Structured problem-solver who lets data drive decisions.
• Project leadership and ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently.
• Collaborative, low-ego style; builds trust with operators and leaders alike.
• Ownership mindset — sees a problem through to a sustained, documented solution.

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to dust, noise, and temperature variation; PPE required in production areas.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs/ladders, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Travel up to 25% required — to sister manufacturing facilities, equipment vendors, contractors, and occasional customer or supplier sites in support of capital projects, equipment commissioning, and continuous improvement initiatives.