WestRock

Continuous Improvement Engineer

WestRock • $75K — $95K *
Charlotte, NC 28269In-Person
Food & Beverages
Less than 5 years of experience
More than 3 months ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4+ years operations experience in food, beverage, or chemical production environments.
  • BA/BS in chemical or food engineering discipline.
  • Experience with FDA or USDA regulated systems preferred.
  • Familiarity with thermal processing of liquid products and packaging techniques.
  • Strong design engineering knowledge in food science and instrumentation.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to strategize and operationalize product and process innovations.
  • Identify improvement opportunities with the operations team and devise cost-efficient solutions.
  • Manage capital projects up to $6 MM, ensuring budget adherence.
  • Implement best practices for process control and operational efficiency.
  • Develop operating procedures aimed at enhancing quality and reducing costs.

Benefits

  • Promotes a safe working environment compliant with OSHA standards.
  • Engagement in diverse projects allows for broad technical leadership opportunities.
  • Emphasis on continuous improvement in plant operations for career growth.
  • Support in compliance with industry regulations (FSMA, SQF, FDA).
  • Collaborative work culture within cross-functional teams.
Full Job Description
Position Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to provide technical leadership, continuous improvement and project management skills in a plant support and R&D capacity that ensures safe, efficient and low cost plant operations. This position reports to the Corporate Director of Engineering and Technical Services with a dotted line to the Commercial Park Plant Manager.

Job Functions:
  • Works as a member of a cross-functional team including Sales, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Research / Development and Supply Chain professionals to set strategy and operationalize new product and process opportunities.
  • Works closely with the operations team to determine improvement opportunities and develop cost effective resolutions to improve performance and limit risk.
  • Manages capital projects often up to $6 MM.
  • Implements best practices in process control, monitoring, HMI interfaces, and operational practices.
  • Develops and implements operating methods / procedures designed to eliminate problems, improve quality and cost.
  • Recommends designs for new and existing production lines, processes to improve efficiency, safety and productivity.
  • Creates, submits and executes projects that meet established budgets and schedules.
  • Promotes a safe working environment in compliance with all OSHA and Westrock safety standards.
  • Assures that production practices are in compliance with FSMA, SQF standards, and FDA requirements where applicable.
  • Conducts technical specification reviews and resolution.
  • Coordinate the collection and dissemination of technical information between/within the company and customer.
  • Schedule's and monitors program activity to achieve an "on-time" and "on-budget" result including follow-up with external suppliers to ensure timely response to action items.
  • Prepares quotations utilizing supplier information, cost standards, technical information from quality, manufacturing engineering, design.
  • Ensures that project costs are correctly managed to ensure they are properly represented for accounting's closing process.
  • Assignments involve activities requiring knowledge of standard principles and techniques.
  • Prepares designs, drawings, plans and specifications for projects, engineered systems, technical equipment or components.
  • Assists in the preparation of probable construction cost estimates.
  • Reviews and monitors project progress to assure quality and adherence to requirements of contract documents.
  • Responsible for control of work-in-progress, ensures accurate client billings, monitors outstanding accounts receivable and collection efforts on related projects.
  • Understands Project Management principles and managing to an established scope. Identifies scope changes and takes appropriate action to address changes.


  • 4+ years operations experience in a food, beverage or chemical products production environment.
  • BA/BS in a chemical or food engineering discipline.
  • Experience with micro sensitive products in an FDA or USDA regulated food safety system preferred.
  • Experience in thermal processing of liquid products including hot fill and aseptic packaging, liquid evaporation/concentration equipment and aroma systems.
  • Knowledge of design engineering in food science, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, sanitary piping practices and process and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Working knowledge of Process Controls and Instrumentation systems
  • Experience in beverage manufacturing is strongly preferred
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong working knowledge of Windows applications (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook).
  • Ability to effectively establish working relationships with various Westrock departments/supervisors/management.
  • Ability to travel via plane and car (travel less than 10%)
  • Ability to work weekends and extended hours as needed to support project and operational needs.
  • Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled

About WestRock

Westrock Coffee Company is an integrated coffee, tea, flavors, extracts, and ingredients solutions provider in the U.S., providing coffee sourcing, supply chain management, product development, roasting, packaging, and distribution services to the retail, foodservice and restaurant, convenience store and travel center, CPG, non-commercial, and hospitality industries.

WestRock Careers

Joining WestRock means becoming part of a global team dedicated to supporting some of the world’s leading companies in packaging and distribution solutions. At WestRock, we believe in fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and leadership, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to advance their careers in a dynamic industry.

Work You’ll Do

At WestRock, your work will directly contribute to our mission of redefining how packaging solutions can drive business success. As part of our team, you will use your skills to collaborate on market-leading projects that focus on sustainability and innovation. With a culture that values diversity and leadership, you will be empowered to lead projects at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and customer engagement.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

Become a part of a team where your ideas and contributions are valued. At WestRock, we are committed to providing job opportunities that enhance your professional skills while promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion. Our team consists of over 50,000 dedicated professionals who are leaders in the packaging industry, driving transformation and delivering results with precision and creativity.

Innovative Work

Engage in work that matters with a company that offers diverse job opportunities, from positions in engineering and design to marketing and supply chain management. WestRock is a place where innovation is at the forefront of what we do, integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Be Part of a Great Team

Working at WestRock means being part of a supportive network that encourages professional growth and development. Enjoy the benefits of a robust internal networking system, diversity training programs, and leadership development opportunities that help you build a fulfilling career.

Future-Proof Your Career

With WestRock, you are not just finding a job; you are building a career. We offer a wide range of career paths, supported by comprehensive training programs and development opportunities that help you grow at every stage of your professional journey. Whether through an internship, entry-level position, or a leadership role, your potential for growth is limitless.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Discover the various career paths WestRock offers. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, explore how your skills and interests align with our needs. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are curious, innovative, and ready to lead.

Stay Connected

Join the WestRock team and stay up-to-date with the latest in industry trends and company news. Search open positions that match your skills and interests, and prepare your resume to take the first step towards a rewarding career at WestRock.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at WestRock.

Join Our Team

Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, creative, and solution-driven team players ready to make a difference.

SEARCH WESTROCK JOBS

At WestRock, we are more than just a packaging company; we are a team that believes in innovation, sustainability, and driving growth through inclusive and diverse global leadership. Join us, and be part of a company that values what you bring to the table and helps you turn your professional aspirations into reality.
Learn more about WestRock
Size
49,900 employees
Market Cap
$8.8 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
-$677.4 million
Founded
1953
5 Year Trend
+7.4%
Revenue
$17.5 billion
NASDAQ
WRK
* Ladders Estimates

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