Title:  Process Engineer - Compounding

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?  

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.  

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.  

Job Summary:

The Extrusion and Mixing Process Specialist will function as a member of the Process Excellence team and provide support to the extruder and mixing process and systems.  The role will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the extrusion and mixing process, systems, and equipment to improve process control and finished goods quality.  This role will also troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems associated with the extrusion and mixing process and identify and manage process improvements through use of Lean Sigma tools and root cause analysis tools.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Technical responsibility for facility mixing and rubber extrusion process
• Identify areas of improvement in the extrusion operations, ensuring quality stock is delivered to the molding presses, minimizing scrap and press downtime
• Recommend enhancements for equipment/systems associated with the extrusion process, including the DES, DS Extruder, DS Head, Troester Head, Film Winders/Applicators, Cooling System, ELSM, Downstream cut-to-length system, Metal Detection, Scale, and Mylar Sheet Cleaning
• Identify and implement best practices across all (4) extruders and across all (4) production shifts
• Implement tracking/accountability programs to reduce waste (scrap) and identify source (root cause)
• Apply and support lean manufacturing initiatives, identifying opportunities through process improvements, or other strategies
• Assume full responsibility for various engineering projects as assigned
• Train team members as required on best practices and changes to improve the extrusion/mixing process
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications: 

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred
• 3 – 5 Years of experience in engineering related discipline or
  8 – 10+ Years of direct work-related experience.
• Equipment integration in a cGMP/Pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing experience preferred

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Operate within approved time schedules and project budgets
• Consult and cooperate with corporate / customer / supplier personnel as authorized and required.  Maintain effective communication and working relations
• Maintain an awareness of “state of the art” technology as it applies to our industry.  Take part in educational programs pertinent to process projects
• Performs other duties as assigned based on business needs as directed by Area Manager(s), Production Manager and/or Director, Ops
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products: Excel, Word, Outlook
• Exhibits regular, reliable, punctual and predictable attendance
• Able to be aware of all relevant SOPs as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description
• Support and contribute in Lean Sigma programs and activities towards delivery of the set target
• Able to comply with the company’s safety policy at all times
• Able to comply with the company’s quality policy at all times

Travel Requirements:

• Less than 10% of the time

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Medium – exerting up to 50lb/22kg of force occasionally and/or up to 20lbs/9kg of force frequently, and/or up to 10lbs/4kgs of force constantly to move object
• Self-motivated and solution-oriented personality.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Good communication, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Must wear safety toe shoes, safety goggles, and hearing protection, as required, in production areas. 

• Must follow and comply with Plant’s Dress and Hygiene Code (SOI).

• Must follow and comply with all Company and Plant policies, procedure (SOIs), rules and State and Federal laws

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.  If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to Apply.Accommodation@westpharma.com.  Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening and/or a pre-employment drug screening.