Engineer Sr. - Continuous Improvement

SUMMARY

Westlake makes chemical and plastic products, which in turn make life better for people every day. We are a quality manufacturer and dependable global supplier of petrochemicals, plastics and building products. Our mission is to serve our clients by enhancing daily life through the products and services we provide.

The continuous improvement engineer will develop, plan, and execute improvement, customer satisfaction, and productivity processes which foster a culture of continuous improvement. The continuous improvement engineer will drive continuous improvement following the Lean Six Sigma methodology.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Identifying improvement projects and prioritize available resources to meet company goals, including Safety, Cost, Quality, Digitalization, Sustainability, and Production.
• Engage process owners in review of active projects and capture of new project ideas.
• Maintain a project queue to be used for work prioritization, resource planning, and training.
• Identify and Lead 6 Sigma or Lean Projects across the site
• Facilitate brainstorms and other idea generating activities as needed for improvement ideas.
• Drive and track cost savings and margin/throughput projects for the site and capture in a common database.
• Participate in site level Safety teams, including Root Cause Analysis.
• Develop and teach continuous improvement thinking and Six Sigma and Lean tools.
• Mentor engineers and others through White Belt, Yellow Belt and Green Belt Training.
• Assist Site Lead with semiannual deployment planning preparation.
• As part of the Continuous Improvement Deployment Leadership, the CI Engineer will interface with teams in the Region and Corporation.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Perform the primary thinking encompassed by this job description.
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Fully supports Company goals of continuous improvement and operational excellence at strategic and tactical levels including reviewing area of responsibility for improvement opportunities to initiate projects or communicate ideas to management as well as active participation on project teams.
• Any additional responsibilities or tasks as assigned.
• Perform duties in a manner that protects personal safety as well as the safety of others.
• Promptly report Safety, Health or Environmental issues or incidents to management.
• This position may be required to drive company vehicles from time to time.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. degree in Engineering (Chemical/Mechanical) or similar technical field is required.
• Eight or more years of experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Prior training and certification in Lean Six Sigma as a Green Belt, Black Belt or higher preferred.
• Basic understanding of chemical/mechanical process equipment including pumps, heat exchangers, vessels, etc.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Capable of leading a multi-disciplined multi-level team to drive progress.
• Works well in a team and matrix environment, balance multiple projects, and ability to make effective written and verbal presentations.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and other basic computer applications is required.
• Preferred experience in data analysis and statistics, including Minitab or other statistical software.
• Preferred experience in PowerBI and advanced dashboarding tools.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  Employee may be required to use stairs/elevators and have the ability to occasionally work at elevated heights.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Additionally, this position must take general decisions requiring judgement and perform activities requiring sustained concentration.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, FRC (flame retardant clothing) etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.