The Advanced Engineer - Production is responsible for providing technical and operational leadership to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of assigned manufacturing assets. This role serves as the primary technical resource for production operations, focusing on process optimization, loss elimination, equipment reliability, workforce capability development, and continuous improvement. The Manufacturing Expert partners closely with the 24/7 operations team, maintenance, engineering, quality, and stewardship resources to achieve Safety, Quality, Reliability, and Efficiency (SQRE) objectives while meeting production entitlement targets. This is an on-site role in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Responsibilities:
Process Performance & Operational Excellence
Continuously monitor process, product quality, and equipment performance to detect and proactively address emerging issues.
Lead efforts to minimize Operational and Scheduling Reliability (OSR) losses through data analysis, field observations, and structured problem-solving.
Establish, communicate, and maintain operating parameters to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Anticipate operational risks and implement strategies to maintain unit performance at entitlement targets.
Identify and remove daily execution barriers in collaboration with the 24/7 operations team.
Communicate issues that may impact production schedules, reliability, or product quality.
Technical Support & Troubleshooting
Serve as the primary process and equipment expert for assigned production areas.
Utilize field observations, PI data, operating data, and technical expertise to troubleshoot process and equipment issues.
Participate in alarm management reviews and drive improvements in operating discipline.
Support product changes, run-plan reviews, startups, shutdowns, outages, and operational transitions.
Develop startup, shutdown, and outage strategies to ensure safe and efficient execution.
Asset Ownership & Reliability
Maintain technical ownership of: Line 2 production area
Associated process equipment and operating systems
Maintain and continuously improve the Preventive Maintenance (PM) program, including: PM task optimization
Frequency reviews
Addition or deletion of PM activities
Conduct routine audits to ensure compliance with PM program requirements.
Partner with Maintenance Gatekeepers, Production Engineers, and Reliability resources to prioritize equipment repairs and reliability improvements.
Root Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement
Lead and facilitate Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations.
Ensure effective implementation and closure of corrective actions.
Develop action plans when operational performance does not meet expectations.
Track and drive completion of RCA action items.
Lead initiatives that improve unit reliability, operating discipline, and production performance.
Safety, Compliance & Operating Discipline
Champion safety and compliance through visible field leadership and routine field walkthroughs.
Routinely evaluate site performance in: Conduct of Operations (Con-Ops)
Energy Isolation (LOTO)
Safe Work Permitting
Equipment Opening and Line Breaking
Alarm Management
Collaborate with operations teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives supporting safe and reliable operations.
Stop unsafe acts or operating conditions when identified.
Recommend shutdowns, delayed startups, or operating restrictions when safe operation cannot be assured.
Management of Change & Documentation
Initiate and manage Management of Change (MOC) activities.
Conduct field walkdowns to ensure proper implementation of changes.
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Maintain and improve operating documentation, check sheets, operating limits, and process instructions.
Provide technical rationale and documentation supporting operational changes.
Training & Workforce Development
Develop and implement technical training programs for operations personnel and core team…