Process Engineer II

Position Overview

The Process Engineer II will analyze processes and apply best practices to plan, develop, budget, and execute improvement initiatives that reduce costs, improve safety and quality, and increase profitability. This role supports multiple manufacturing facilities and interfaces directly with commercial customers to ensure operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply engineering and Lean methodologies to analyze, improve, and standardize manufacturing processes in alignment with HWI's Operational Excellence and HarbisonWalker Business System (HBS) initiatives.
• Lead and manage process improvement and capital projects that drive cost reduction, improved quality, safety, and customer outcomes; ensure projects deliver results per justification.
• Partner with Operations to develop best practices and standard work, improve OEE, minimize downtime and waste, and strengthen maintenance excellence initiatives.
• Monitor plant KPIs and identify opportunities to exceed company performance goals.
• Prepare expenditure proposals and cost justification analyses; present findings to plant and corporate leadership.
• Document and communicate process changes through reports, presentations, and training materials.
• Provide training, coaching, and consultation to production, maintenance, and engineering personnel to build technical capability and sustain improvements.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering required; Industrial, Mechanical, or related discipline preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools.
• Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and business intelligence skills.
• Proven ability to lead change initiatives and deliver measurable improvements in operational performance.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills across all organizational levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (advanced Excel and PowerPoint required); familiarity with AutoCAD or similar tools is a plus.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 or comparable quality systems preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including relationship-building, collaboration, and influencing.
• Ability to coach and train frontline employees and managers in process improvement methods.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Physical Activity: Requires 1/3 to 2/3 of time sitting and/or speaking/hearing; less than 1/3 of time standing, walking, using hands and fingers, or reaching.
• Lifting: Requires lifting up to 50 pounds less than 1/3 of the time.
• Vision: Requires accurate close and distance vision.
• Environment: Requires 1/3 to 2/3 of time in an office setting; less than 1/3 of time working near moving mechanical parts, exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, and/or vibration.
• Noise: Requires working in quiet conditions.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary along with a robust benefits package and comprehensive wellness programs.

About HWI

HWI is the largest supplier of refractory products and services in the United States. With manufacturing sites and distribution centers across the Americas—and the major refractory industry research facility in North America—HWI serves virtually every major industry that requires refractory solutions to enhance production and protect assets. Consistently recognized for its talented experts, industry firsts, and intensely driven excellence, HWI is expanding its team of dedicated and enthusiastic professionals in research and development, engineering, manufacturing, product management, and sales. As a dynamic, growing global refractory leader, HWI offers competitive compensation, benefits packages, and wellness programs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, HWI is committed to a diverse workforce.

For more information, visit https://thinkhwi.com/