The Sustainability & Process Engineer works within our Research and Development team by leading product development efforts that are focused on recycling, energy efficient production and that drive reductions to our global carbon footprint. This person formulates and maintains a collaborative relationship with internal and external customers including vendors, operations, engineering and R&D and other departments within Paragon Films. The Sustainability & Process Engineer will participate in or lead long or short-term projects, utilizing their knowledge of extrusion process and polymers to develop and deliver on project timelines, objectives and outcomes. This role will manage and relay data regarding sustainability efforts in production development to demonstrate progress toward meeting corporate sustainability goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Work with Director of Research and Development to initiate the development of sustainable machine film for Paragon Film’s product line.
Research, vet and qualify PCR suppliers to establish valuable, long-term relationships, auditing their processes and product quality to as it relates to consistency and film performance.
Enhance and solidify test procedures for PCR materials, performing lot to lot comparisons and test trials on various production lines.
Lead stringent qualification process for materials, focusing on supply, manufacturing process and film performance.
Utilizing extrusion process knowledge and knowledge of polymers, identify and troubleshoot limitations of new resin.
Develop and fine tune film performance expectations to meet Paragon Films standard quality requirements.
Measure and monitor resin lot to lot consistency.
Utilize project management skills to coordinate test trials and provide deliverables to appropriate parties by established deadlines.
Work with marketing department to develop promotional material in relation to Paragon’s sustainability messaging.
Work with sales department in identifying customer requirements to reach sustainability goals.
Work with sales department to identify closed loop recycling opportunities.
Work with Director of Research and Development to identify additional areas of opportunity outside of PCR films to enhance product, processes and opportunities for new product.
Working closely with Director of Corporate Engineering to assist with the design, preparation, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring of a wide scope of projects within Paragon from an engineering perspective
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE/SKILL/ABILITY
Extensive extrusion process knowledge, preferably within stretch film industry
Demonstrated project management skills within a professional environment as it relates to planning, carrying out and completing large scope projects
Proven ability to lead, mentor and manage individuals from a leadership perspective
Strong technical aptitude with an excellent understanding and strong troubleshooting skills within manufacturing industry and extrusion equipment
Demonstrated analytical ability in relation to project management, resolution of problems
Ability & experience to successfully communicate with external contractors and equipment suppliers to build long term, lasting relationships
Proven ability to successfully work in a collaborate relationship with multiple departments
Negotiation and conflict management skills together with demonstrated experience troubleshooting and problem solving
The ability to adapt to fast-paced rapid changes, and to manage multiple tasks, while handling unexpected delays or events. All while maintaining constant attention to detail discerning the correct prioritization of each project assigned
Organized, motivated self-starter, with ability to prioritize tasks
High level of attention to detail and problem-solving ability
Strong written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills, strong presentation skills including technical writing and above average documentation skills, with ability to effectively explain, demonstrate and train employees on policy and procedures
Advanced MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Project Management Software, CAD systems
Organized self-starter with ability to adapt to fast paced; rapid changes, with ability to juggle multiple tasks and handle unexpected delays or events, all while maintaining constant attention to detail
Practice and promote teamwork and servant leadership style within the organization
High level of dependability regarding attendance and punctuality
Strong understanding of stretch film process, extrusion equipment, and related support equipment for the extrusion manufacturing process
Assists with training employees on new processes, equipment or procedures
PREFERRED EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, with emphasis on Plastics Engineering
Prefer five to six years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment
PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
Ability to bend, stoop, twist at the waist, squat as is required of office environment
Ability to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms
Ability to safely and independently navigate a production floor, lab or warehouse facility through the use of sight and hearing
Ability to perform basic manual dexterity tasks, typing, dialing, writing, stapling, etc. as required to utilize office equipment
Ability to climb stairs
Ability to regularly lift up to 5lbs
Ability to occasionally lift up to 10lbs
Ability to rarely lift up to 50lbs
Ability to sit for duration of flights or long car rides as well as have the capability to travel via airway and/or vehicular travel
Ability to understand and communicate verbally
Ability to meet requirements of and utilize PPE when required
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions but could be exposed to warmer temperature environments such as a warehouse or production floor. (Typical office/administrative work environment.)
SPECIAL JOB DIMENSIONS:Requires adherence to deadlines and project completion deadlines with ability to travel within a range of 20-80% of the time.
Who We Are
At Paragon Films, we look forward to coming to work each day because we are genuinely passionate about creating the best stretch film in the industry. We believe in providing each of our employees with a voice and the freedom to explore creative ideas—and innovation thrives as a result. We channel this ingenuity into every facet of our company and use it to create a better stretch film product and customer service experience.
Since 1988, we have proudly delivered efficient, sustainable, and economical stretch film products—unparalleled in performance, value, quality and consistency. With plants strategically located in Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Washington, we provide dedicated service to all 50 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, South America and a number of international locations across a wide variety of industries.
Our Mission & Values
Continuously strive to be our customers’ first choice in innovative, high quality, and value added packaging solutions, dedicated to securing a future for our employees, business
partners, and shareholders, while embodying our Circle of Excellence Values:
CHARACTER EXCELLENCE
Love, Passion, Integrity, Inclusion, Diversi...ty
CUSTOMER EXCELLENCE
Partnerships, Representation, Commitments
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Quality, Technology, Sustainability, Innovation
LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE
Servant Leadership Internally and Externally
FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE
Results Focused, Profitable Growth, Increase Shareholder Returns
Our History
Paragon Films was founded in 1988 in Tulsa, OK by industry pioneer Mike Baab with the vision of combining cutting-edge technology with a highly skilled work force to produce a line of stretch film products unparalleled in performance, value, and quality.
With Paragon’s commitment to state of the art equipment and an array of innovative new products contributing significantly to growth, a second plant opened its doors in Taylorsville, NC in 2005 and later a third location in Union Gap, WA in 2013.
Throughout its history, Paragon has responded to challenges and opportunities with tireless innovation, bold creativity and entrepreneurial passion. Our proven ability and philosophies have long fueled our competitiveness and growth.