Location: Toronto, Ontario (On-site)
Position Status: Permanent Full-time
Existing Vacancy: Yes
Position SummaryWe are seeking a hands-on Process Engineering Specialist to provide technical leadership and process expertise for our shredder and float-sink processing operations in Toronto. Reporting to the Manager, Continuous Improvement, this role is responsible for optimizing production performance, troubleshooting process issues, improving equipment reliability, and supporting safe and efficient operations across multiple recycling systems.
The successful candidate will serve as the subject matter expert for these processing lines, working closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement teams to maximize throughput, improve recovery rates, and drive operational excellence. This position is highly visible within the facility and requires strong technical problem-solving skills combined with a collaborative, plant-floor focused approach.
Key Responsibilities Process Control & Optimization- Provide technical direction and establish operating parameters for supervisors and operators. Validate process performance and recommend adjustments required to achieve production, quality, and recovery targets.
- Balance shredder throughput with downstream processing capacity to maintain stable and efficient operations.
- Analyze process performance data, identify trends and opportunities, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop the technical capability of operators and supervisors through coaching, troubleshooting support, process training, and knowledge transfer.
Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis- Investigate and resolve process performance issues, including product loss, separation inefficiencies, equipment bottlenecks, and quality concerns.
- Lead root cause analysis for process interruptions, equipment failures, and recurring performance issues.
- Partner with operations and maintenance teams to identify and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Support process recovery following disruptions and ensure operating conditions are stabilized.
Equipment Reliability & Maintenance Support- Collaborate with maintenance teams to diagnose equipment and process performance issues.
- Support the development and improvement of preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability strategies.
- Review inspection findings and recommend maintenance priorities based on operational risk, reliability, and production impact.
- Provide technical guidance during equipment repairs, upgrades, modifications, and commissioning activities.
Performance Monitoring & Documentation- Own and maintain process standards, critical operating limits, troubleshooting guides, and process control documentation for assigned systems
- Translate lessons learned into updated procedures, maintenance strategies, and process improvements.
Training, Safety & Continuous Improvement- Train supervisors and operators on equipment operation, process controls, and troubleshooting techniques.
- Promote a strong safety culture and exercise stop-work authority when required.
- Participate in safety investigations, audits, and corrective action planning.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, recovery optimization, quality improvement, and operational reliability.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications- Degree or diploma in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience supporting industrial processing or manufacturing operations.
- Demonstrated experience managing process parameters, operating conditions, and production performance metrics.
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capabilities within a production or industrial environment.
- Experience developing SOPs, work instructions, and technical documentation.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience analyzing process and production performance data.
- Strong communication, leadership, and training skills.
- Ability to work in an industrial environment requiring PPE, stair climbing, and regular plant-floor presence.
Preferred Qualifications / Assets- Experience in plastics processing, recycling, waste management, or resource recovery operations.
- Knowledge of density separation, flotation systems, washing operations, or other wet processing systems.
- Experience with water treatment systems, clarifiers, filter presses, and chemical dosing.
- Exposure to optical sorting, magnetic separation, or eddy current separation technologies.
- P.Eng., EIT, or C.E.T. designation.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification.
- Experience working with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
What We Offer- Company-paid Extended Health & Dental Benefits
- Disability and Life Insurance
- RRSP Match Program up to 4%
- Short Term Incentive Plan
- 3 weeks' vacation
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Safety Shoes & Glasses Reimbursement
- Employee Purchase Program, up to 22% off on Qnovum.ca
- Opportunity to play a part in protecting the environment and contributing to sustainability
