Process Development Engineer

Knauf Insulation North America

Process Development Engineer optimizing white wool insulation manufacturing processes across Knauf Insulation’s North American plants. Driving Six Sigma improvements, technical support, standardization, and measurable gains in quality, output, and cost.

Posted 8/14/2026full-timeRemote • Alabama, Missouri, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in white wool manufacturing processes, including hot-end and cold-end process optimization, while applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement and enhance product quality. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects effectively in a dynamic environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Six Sigma CertificationWhite Wool Manufacturing ExpertiseLean Manufacturing KnowledgeProject Management SkillsProficiency with Minitab

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Hot-End Process DevelopmentCold-End Process DevelopmentContinuous Improvement MethodologiesData Collection and AnalysisDesign of ExperimentsProcess OptimizationCost-Benefit AnalysisRoot Cause AnalysisPerformance Trend AnalysisProduction Process Linkage

Soft Skills

Leadership SkillsCommunication SkillsDetail-OrientedResults-DrivenProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

MinitabMES SystemsMS Office SuiteData Historian ToolsOsiPI

Certifications & Qualifications

Six Sigma Green BeltSix Sigma Black Belt

Industry Keywords

Glass Mineral Wool ManufacturingWhite Wool Insulation ProductionSQDCPKataKaizenLPADOESPCCross-Plant TroubleshootingPlant Construction and Commissioning

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive the development, optimization, and standardization of white wool manufacturing processes and product quality across KINA plants
Serve as the divisional Subject Matter Expert for white wool manufacturing
Define and maintain standards for hot-end and cold-end white wool processes
Optimize spinner, fiberizer, forming, milling, transport, additive application, energy, and material consumption processes
Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies
Lead process trials and Design of Experiments, ensuring robust data collection and actionable insights
Partner with cross-functional teams to design and scale new processes, enhance process control systems, and improve reliability and output consistency
Provide hands-on technical support to KINA plants and resolve production challenges
Lead cross-plant troubleshooting for chronic losses using structured problem-solving tools
Collaborate with OEMs and suppliers to improve spinner performance, fiber quality, equipment life, and variability
Link field performance and quality data with production processes
Support plant construction, upgrades, modifications, commissioning, and start-up activities
Deliver training to develop white wool SMEs in each plant
Share best practices and governance mechanisms across KINA and KI plants
Document developments, maintain standards, and update training materials
Present recommendations and findings to management and stakeholders
Publish monthly dashboards covering performance trends, root causes, and process improvement opportunities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, or related technical field) required
Six Sigma Certification required; Green Belt minimum, Black Belt preferred
Minimum 5 years of experience in glass mineral wool manufacturing, covering hot-end and cold-end processes
Proven track record of project management and continuous improvement initiatives
Specific experience with white wool insulation production strongly preferred
Expertise in hot-end spinner/fiberizer and cold-end forming and milling process development
Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, including SQDCP, Kata, Kaizen, LPA, DOE, and SPC
Proven ability to lead Six Sigma projects with annualized savings or measurable yield/output gains
Excellent leadership and communication skills for influencing and training cross-functional teams
Proficiency with Minitab, MES systems, MS Office Suite, and data historian tools such as OsiPI
Strong project management skills, including cost-benefit analysis, milestone tracking, and stakeholder follow-up
Detail-oriented and results-driven
Ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Requires 40% travel, with periods of higher travel during start-ups, commissioning, or major projects
Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. and work in varying plant environmental conditions, including dust and temperature

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental, Vision – starting on day one
Virtual Medical Services
Fertility and adoption benefits
401(k) Retirement Plan with 100% matching on the first 6% contribution and fully vested day one
Paid parental leave
Paid family leave
Company provided Salary Continuance (Short-term Disability)
Company paid life insurance
Paid Holidays
Vacation
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Growth opportunities