Research Development Process Engineer Jobs in Memphis, TN

POSITION SUMMARY

The Engineer is a critical operational role responsible for optimizing Vanguard Soap's manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and plant performance. This role operates as both a hands-on technical expert and continuous improvement driver, with a strong presence on the production floor.

This individual will own and improve core manufacturing systems - including reaction vessels, spray drying towers, boilers, pumps, and wastewater systems - while ensuring safe, efficient, and scalable operations. The Engineer will play a central role in troubleshooting downtime, improving process capability, and building standardized, repeatable manufacturing processes. This role requires a proactive, assertive leader who can operate both strategically and tactically, working side-by-side with maintenance, production, and leadership team members.

The Vanguard manufacturing campus is a 14-acre site producing 40–50 million pounds annually with 100+ employees, requiring disciplined engineering, strong operational partnership, and a continuous improvement mindset.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering Leadership & Plant Partnership

• Serve as a key partner to Operations, Maintenance, and Quality to drive plant performance
• Maintain a strong, visible presence on the production floor
• Lead and support maintenance technicians and operators in resolving equipment and process issues
• Act as a first responder to critical downtime events, driving rapid root cause identification and resolution

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Identify, prioritize, and lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing processes
• Analyze production data to improve yield, throughput, and cost efficiency
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies
• Standardize best practices across lines, shifts, and product types

Equipment Reliability & Maintenance Engineering

• Improve reliability and performance of key plant systems:
• Reaction vessels
• Spray drying towers
• Boilers and utilities
• Pumps and fluid systems
• Wastewater treatment systems
• Partner with Maintenance to develop preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and new installations

Process Documentation & Standardization

• Develop, maintain, and validate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, process flow documentation
• Ensure processes are repeatable, scalable, and audit-ready
• Train plant personnel on updated procedures and best practices

Root Cause Problem Solving

• Lead structured root cause analysis for equipment failures, process deviations, quality issues
• Implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
• Track and report on improvement effectiveness

Capital Projects & Engineering Execution

• Support plant capital planning and execution
• Lead or contribute to equipment selection and design, installation and commissioning, process validation, and startup
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and meet operational requirements

Safety, Compliance & Environmental Stewardship

• Ensure all engineering activities align with safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Support safe operation of all manufacturing and utility systems
• Partner on environmental initiatives, including wastewater and emissions management

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with: Quality on process capability and product consistency, Supply Chain on material flow and constraints, R&D on product trials and scale-up
• Serve as a technical bridge between plant operations and leadership

KEY CAPABILITIES

• Hands-on, plant-first engineering mindset
• Strong mechanical and process engineering acumen
• Proactive, assertive, high-accountability leadership style
• Ability to troubleshoot complex systems under pressure
• Data-driven decision-making with practical execution focus
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and influence
• Continuous improvement orientation (Lean / Six Sigma mindset)

QUALIFICATIONS

• 3–7+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing (CPG, chemical, or process manufacturing preferred)
• Experience working in a plant environment with direct production interaction
• Proven success improving equipment reliability and process performance
• Experience with process documentation, SOPs, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree required. Preferred majors: Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering