Production Engineer

Job Summary

The Production Engineer will report directly to the Plant Manager and will support the operational and technical needs of our Trench Plants, which manufacture Plastibeton Trench Products. This role is responsible for driving process improvements, optimizing operational flow, leading capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, and supporting automation and controls initiatives. The successful candidate improves industrial processes to increase efficiency, reduce cost, enhance sustainability, and maximize profitability.

Job Location

• This role is based out of our plant in Kennedale, TX.
• Primarily plant‑based role with significant time on the production floor supporting Trench Plant operations.
• Some travel may be required for supplier meetings, training, or inter‑plant support. Up to 60% travel during training.

Job Responsibilities

• Safety & Compliance
  • Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving, and adhering to safety policies in all work environments and areas.
• Trench Plant & Plastibeton Product Support
  • Support manufacturing processes specific to Plastibeton Trench Products, including batching, forming, curing, trimming, and finishing operations.
  • Analyze and enhance trench production flow, material handling, and equipment performance to increase throughput and product consistency.
  • Develop and implement automation and controls improvements related to trench manufacturing work cells and equipment.
• Process Improvement & Lean Activities
  • Assess plant operations and recommend improvements, including cost/benefit analysis and ROI justification.
  • Lead kaizen events and structured problem solving initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, and waste reduction.
  • Perform tests on plant systems to determine equipment efficiency and process capability.
  • Prepare reports on operating efficiency, failure investigations, and improvement outcomes.
• Automation, Controls & Technical Support
  • Develop and enhance process control automation and computer applications for process control (including PLC/HMI troubleshooting and optimization).
  • Work closely with plant staff, process area teams, and equipment suppliers to ensure reliable operation and successful implementation of improvements.
• CAPEX & Project Management
  • Lead and manage CAPEX projects, including automation upgrades, controls related projects, equipment improvements, and layout modifications.
  • Provide project management support across functional teams to deliver initiatives on schedule and within budget.
  Cross Functional Collaboration
  • Coordinate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and production teams to identify and resolve bottlenecks.
  • Engage in continuous improvement activities to enhance plant culture and operational performance.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally including engineered materials, precast, polymer concrete, or trench product production.
• Direct experience in process improvement, automation, lean manufacturing, and cost/ROI analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering fundamentals and proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP’s, PLCs, and CAD.
• Strong Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement background preferred.
• Experience working with robotics, CNC equipment, or automation systems is a plus.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams.
• Analytical thinker with strong technical problem solving abilities.
• High ethical standards, professionalism, and a team oriented mindset.