Senior Automation and Manufacturing Engineer

Alene Candles LLC & Midwest is a private label contract manufacturer that produces high-quality candles for some of the worlds most recognized retail boutique and cosmetic brands. With our headquarters in New Hampshire and locations in Ohio weve been in business for over 25 years. We are passionate about making the best products in the world making safety our number one priority and being an insanely great place to work.

The Position

We are seeking a Senior Automation & Manufacturing Engineer to serve as the site leader for manufacturing technology capital project execution and new product commercialization. You will act as the primary engineering liaison between customers Business Development Sales R&D Operations Quality Supply Chain and external vendors to ensure successful introduction of new products and manufacturing capabilities. You will be responsible for developing and implementing equipment automation material handling and process solutions that support the sites long-term growth strategy.

We are unable to provide employment visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

We are located at 8860 Smiths Mill Road New Albany OH.This is an onsite position.

Responsible for driving operational performance through continuous improvement and engineering excellence. This role identifies develops and implements initiatives that improve any/all facets of the organization through process optimization lean manufacturing practices automation and advanced manufacturing technologies. The Senior Automation & Manufacturing Engineer is accountable for delivering measurable business results including cost reduction labor productivity improvements waste elimination throughput gains and overall equipment effectiveness.

• Develop and execute manufacturing technology strategies that improve productivity quality safety and operational performance.
• Identify justify and implement automated equipment robotics vision systems and control systems
• Assist in establishing equipment standards and best practices for manufacturing systems across all facilities.
• Partner with Operations teams to improve equipment reliability uptime throughput and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Identify and execute projects that reduce labor dependency material waste scrap rework downtime and energy consumption.
• Develop financial justifications and ROI analyses for process improvement and automation projects.
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to labor efficiency cost savings throughput quality and asset utilization.
• Develop capital project scope specifications budgets schedules and implementation plans.
• Manage equipment procurement vendor selection contract negotiations installation commissioning and operational transitions.
• Lead Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) startup activities and performance validation.
• Ensure capital projects achieve targeted business objectives and financial returns.
• Serve as the sites engineering lead for all new product introductions and customer commercialization activities.
• Evaluate manufacturability of new products and packaging designs to ensure efficient production and cost targets can be achieved.
• Assist in executing customer trials production qualifications and launch readiness reviews.
• Ensure successful product launches through structured stage-gate commercialization processes.
• Support Operations teams in troubleshooting technical issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Conduct process capability studies and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Improve line balancing material flow changeover efficiency and labor utilization.
• Build strong relationships with customers suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Present project updates technology strategies and business cases to senior leadership

• Bachelors s degree in Engineering or related disciple
• 5 years for engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in manufacturing industry
• Experience with a capital implementation projects

• Customer focused both internal and external
• Strong communication leadership presentation and interpersonal skills are required
• Demonstrated successful performance with independent and team problem solving presentations leadership and coordinating and completing multiple tasks within and across departments to meet changing deadlines
• Project Management and Implementation
• Lean Manufacturing (Black Belt)
• Manufacturing with assembly line and packaging experience
• Automation and robotics
• Candle industry experience a big plus
• High level of organizational ability
• Strong communication leadership presentation and interpersonal skills are required
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and coordinate with other departments within the Company
• Ability to lead and manage Contract resources and Company resources for projects
• Self-motivated with the ability to work without close supervision

Benefits

Alene offers a host of competitive benefits for full-time employees some of which include: Medical Dental and Vision with a Healthcare Reimbursement Account 401(k) with company match Basic Life Insurance (100% company paid) Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Account Paid Holidays Paid Time Off Tuition Reimbursement and Alene Gives Back our paid volunteer program.

Alene Candles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.

Should you require assistance completing this application or during any phase of the interview process please contact or call and ask to speak to Human Resources. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs in a reasonable amount of time.