Production Engineer - Manufacturing Operations

Production Engineer - Nomex Team

Position:  Full Time, Salaried, (Exempt role with annual bonus incentive)

Schedule: Days - With possible on call for troubleshooting 

Location: Spruance Manufacturing Plant Site

5401 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, Virginia 23234

www.ARCLIN.com 

Job Overview and Summary:

Production Engineer - Operations - Manufacturing

The Production Engineer is the technical owner for day-to-day performance of an assigned manufacturing area. The role partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, Process Safety, Quality, Supply Chain and other site resources to run the plant safely, reliably and at the lowest sustainable cost. The engineer applies process knowledge, data analysis and disciplined problem solving to resolve operating issues, protect product quality, improve asset utilization and convert the business plan into an executable daily operating plan. During abnormal events, the Production Engineer responds with urgency, provides technical leadership and drives effective corrective and preventive actions.

What you will own:

RUN THE UNIT SAFELY & RELIABLY

• Own the technical performance of the assigned operating area and maintain a visible presence in the field.
• Review operating logs, alarms, trends and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) each day to identify emerging risks and performance gaps.
• Partner with operators and technical resources to reinforce operating discipline, procedure use and the technical basis for critical steps and precautions.
• Respond urgently to plant issues and emergencies; serve as a unit technical expert during unplanned events and support safe stabilization and recovery.
• Ensure operations remain within approved operating limits, environmental permits and applicable process safety requirements.

OPTIMIZE PERFORMANCE & VALUE

• Use process data, automation and manufacturing technology to optimize throughput, quality, yield, energy use, conversion cost and asset utilization.
• Understand the unit production slate, operating constraints, variable costs and value drivers; identify actions that improve margin and EBITDA.
• Diagnose and document root causes of production losses, quality deviations, waste generation and raw material inefficiency.
• Establish practical metrics and management systems that engage Operations, Maintenance and technical teams in improving plant performance.
• Apply continuous improvement methods to eliminate recurring losses and sustain gains through standard work, controls and operating discipline.

TROUBLESHOOT & IMPROVE

• Lead structured troubleshooting of process, equipment and control-system problems using data, field observations and subject matter expertise.
• Facilitate or support root cause analysis and translate findings into specific corrective and preventive actions with clear owners and due dates.
• Partner with Maintenance and Reliability to prioritize defects, define technical requirements and improve equipment availability.
• Evaluate opportunities for process, controls and equipment improvements; develop the technical basis, benefits, risks and implementation plan.
• Capture learning in procedures, operating envelopes, training materials, technical documentation and knowledge-sharing forums.

PLAN & COLLABORATE

• Work with the Operations team to determine production capability and near-term operating priorities.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Production Planning to optimize the production schedule while accounting for customer needs, inventory, constraints and maintenance work.
• Convert the business plan into a daily operating plan and communicate priorities, risks and expected performance to stakeholders.
• Coordinate with Quality, Environmental, Health and Safety, Process Safety, Engineering and project resources to manage changes and protect compliance.
• Build trust through technical credibility, clear communication, active listening, accountability and timely follow-through.

What you bring:

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical or another relevant engineering discipline.
• Zero to five years of manufacturing, process engineering, operations or related experience; plant or industrial internship/co-op experience is beneficial.
• Experience in a Process Safety Management (PSM) or other regulated manufacturing environment is preferred.
• Paper making industry experience is also preferred.
• Lean, Six Sigma or continuous improvement experience is beneficial.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Apply engineering fundamentals, process data and sound judgment to solve operating problems and make risk-informed decisions.
• Analyze trends and large data sets using process historians, control-system information and Microsoft 365 tools, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Understand process control, alarms, interlocks and automation as tools for safe, stable and optimized operation.
• Use structured problem-solving methods such as root cause analysis, 5-Why analysis, cause-and-effect analysis and statistical process control.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly to operators, leaders, maintenance personnel and other stakeholders.
• Organize multiple priorities, respond effectively under pressure and maintain accurate technical documentation.
• Demonstrate financial acumen by connecting operating decisions to yield, cost, margin, working capital and EBITDA.

How you will work:

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

Apply the engineering knowledge, process expertise and analytical capability needed to deliver safe, reliable and profitable plant performance.

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

Use knowledge of Arclin systems, procedures and culture to identify risks, align stakeholders and act in ways that meet customer and business needs.

ACTIVELY LISTENING

Recognize what you do not know, seek input from operators and experts, clarify understanding and remain open to influence.

SELF-DRIVEN COLLABORATION

Take ownership, remain objective, address difficult issues, simplify execution and engage others to achieve strong, value-driven outcomes.

Success in this role

• The assigned unit operates safely, within limits and in compliance with applicable procedures, permits and process safety requirements.
• Production, quality, yield, cost and reliability KPIs are visible, understood and actively managed.
• Abnormal events and recurring losses are resolved through disciplined troubleshooting, root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
• Operating plans reflect customer priorities, production capability, maintenance needs and site constraints.
• Operators and partner functions view the Run Plant Engineer as a trusted, responsive and technically credible resource.

VITAL BEYOND MEASURE | This role strengthens safe, reliable and competitive manufacturing through technical ownership and daily operating discipline.

With ~4,000 team members across more than 30 global manufacturing facilities, we operate with the scale to make a global impact and the agility to solve complex challenges at the molecular level. Rooted in scientific discovery and innovation, Arclin’s materials redefine performance across industries—from Firepoint®’s patented intumescent technology that helps stall flames and save lives to the iconic Kevlar® and Nomex® brands trusted to protect those who serve, strengthen aerospace and industrial systems, and perform where reliability and safety are top of mind.

As we expand our mission-critical materials portfolio and shape the next era of performance technologies, we’re looking for people who want to grow, lead, and solve the challenges others can’t. Together, we’ll advance the innovations that keep the world moving. Because at Arclin, our people are truly Vital Beyond Measure.

Arclin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please contact our Talent Acquisition team for additional information.

Learn more about Nomex, Kevlar and Kevlar EXO by clicking on these links. www.Arclin.Com 

Arclin offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package and is proud to offer a comprehensive, integrated total rewards package, which includes competitive pay and benefits.