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Entry Level Process Improvement Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Build and maintain professional relationships throughout the sales process * Manage a designated ... Collaborate with a supportive, team-oriented environment focused on continuous improvement What We ...

Be Seen First

Build and maintain professional relationships throughout the sales process * Manage a designated ... Collaborate with a supportive, team-oriented environment focused on continuous improvement What We ...

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Entry Level Process Improvement information

See Oregon salary details

$42.3K

$95.8K

$140.6K

How much do entry level process improvement jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level process improvement in Oregon is $95,843.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $108,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level process improvement job?

Entry level process improvement jobs involve assisting organizations in analyzing and enhancing their business processes to increase efficiency and reduce waste. Individuals in these roles typically collect data, map workflows, identify bottlenecks, and support the implementation of solutions under the guidance of senior team members. These positions are ideal for recent graduates or those new to the field, providing foundational experience in process analysis, project management, and continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are valuable assets in these roles.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level professionals in process improvement roles?

Entry-level process improvement professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating complex organizational structures, gaining buy-in from team members resistant to change, and quickly learning industry-specific processes. Adapting to various project management tools and methodologies—like Lean or Six Sigma—can also be demanding at first. However, with mentorship and proactive communication, these challenges become valuable learning opportunities that help new professionals develop strong analytical and interpersonal skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level process improvement specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Process Improvement specialist, you need strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a foundational understanding of process mapping and quality improvement, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Excel, process mapping software (e.g., Visio), and basic knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma methodologies or certifications is common. Effective communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for collaborating across departments and driving change. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable you to identify inefficiencies, implement solutions, and contribute to continuous organizational improvement.

How do you get started in entry level process improvement?

To start an entry-level process improvement role, gain foundational knowledge of process analysis and tools like Lean or Six Sigma through online courses or certifications. Develop skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and communication, and seek internships or entry-level positions in operations or quality assurance to gain practical experience.

What jobs focus on process improvement?

Jobs that focus on process improvement include roles such as Process Improvement Specialist, Business Analyst, Lean Coordinator, and Continuous Improvement Coordinator. These positions involve analyzing workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing solutions often using tools like Six Sigma or Lean methodologies to enhance productivity and quality.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Improvement jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Process Improvement jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Process Improvement job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,843 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Process Engineer - Entry Level

Toledo, OR • On-site

Koch Industries
Oil and Gas Extraction • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Your Job
The Entry-Level Process Engineer supports safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a Kraft linerboard facility by analyzing process performance, troubleshooting production issues, supporting improvement projects, and helping optimize quality, cost, throughput, energy, and environmental performance. This role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Environmental, Safety, and Engineering to learn mill systems and deliver practical solutions.
Our Team
Georgia Pacific Toledo is one of four containerboard manufacturing sites within our Packing & Cellulose division. The team is currently comprised of 480+ dedicated employees. They are also a recycling leader in the Northwest United Sates. The Toledo Mill is located within a 10-minute drive to the Pacific Ocean (Newport, OR), 1 hour west of Corvallis, OR, and offers many local outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and boating.
What You Will Do
• Monitor process data from pulp mill, paper machine, stock preparation, chemical recovery, utilities, wastewater, and finishing areas to identify trends, losses, and improvement opportunities.
• Troubleshoot production, quality, reliability, and environmental issues using engineering principles, data analysis, and structured problem solving.
• Support optimization of furnish quality, refining, drainage, basis weight, moisture, chemical usage, steam, water, energy, and machine efficiency.
• Participate in mill trials, audits, root cause investigations, and follow-up actions to improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and reliability.
• Create and maintain process documentation, operating guidance, process flow diagrams, balances, dashboards, reports, and technical summaries.
• Partner with operators and supervisors to understand constraints, improve process control, and reinforce consistent operating practices.
• Support projects through scope development, data collection, cost justification, commissioning, and performance validation.
• Work in alignment with safety standards, environmental requirements, quality systems, and regulatory expectations.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Paper Science, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.
• Interest in manufacturing, process optimization, pulp and paper operations, and hands-on technical problem solving.
• Ability to analyze data, interpret trends, draw conclusions, and recommend practical actions.
• Basic understanding of process safety, environmental compliance, process control, statistics, heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, and unit operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; willingness to learn mill information systems, data historians, control systems, and reporting tools.
• Ability to work in an industrial environment and build effective relationships with hourly and salaried team members.
What Will Put You Ahead
• Internship, co-op, or project experience in pulp and paper, chemical processing, manufacturing, utilities, wastewater treatment, or heavy industry.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control tools, reliability improvement, root cause analysis, statistical process control, or structured problem-solving tools.
• Familiarity with Kraft pulping, chemical recovery, papermaking, linerboard grades, recycled fiber, wet end chemistry, or process control systems.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company and leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, building products and much more, Georgia-Pacific works to meet evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products. In addition to the products we make, we operate one of the largest recycling businesses. Our more than 300,000 employees in over 150 locations are empowered to innovate every day - to make everyday products even better.
#LI-SB9
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).

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