At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead process optimisation and drive automation in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Knauf, a global leader in modern insulation and construction materials.
- Benefits: $120,000 - $140,000 salary, phone & laptop, free onsite parking, and health discounts.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational excellence and innovation in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in process improvement, engineering degree preferred, and SAP knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 $ per year.
More than 5 years' experience in a similar engineering, process improvement, reliability, or maintenance role.
Demonstrated maintenance background within a manufacturing, industrial or processing environment.
Strong experience in automation and process control improvement.
Proven working knowledge of SAP, ideally within maintenance or engineering functions.
Demonstrated experience in early intervention strategies, breakdown analysis and failure root cause analysis.
Experience in heavy manufacturing or continuous process environments.
Exposure to reliability-centred maintenance or asset improvement programmes.
Experience leading cross-functional improvement projects.
Ability to work from the Camellia Manufacturing site full time - This is not a Work from Home Role.
What you will need to join us:
- Full and Unrestricted Australian working rights - We do not offer visa sponsorship.
- Valid Police Check.
- Preferably, degree-qualified in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Successful completion of pre-employment medical.
Why you will LOVE working at Knauf Australia!
- $120,000 - $140,000 base salary + super.
- Phone & Laptop provided.
- 14 weeks Parental Leave (primary carer).
- Yearly Pay Review.
- Access to discounts on Health Insurance, Gym Memberships, Qantas lounge, Novated leasing and trade discounts.
- Leadership pathway: structured development, mentorship, and opportunities to lead visible, cross-functional initiatives.
- Free onsite parking.
- Free onsite Physio.
About the Role:
Knauf is looking for an experienced Process Improvement Engineer to support operational excellence through automation, reliability improvement and maintenance-focused process optimisation. This role is suited to a hands-on engineering professional with a strong maintenance background, proven SAP experience, and a track record of identifying and resolving equipment and process issues before they impact production.
Some tasks as part of this role include:
- Lead process optimization across plasterboard unit operations: calcination, mixing, forming line, drying, cutting, edge finishing, stacking, and packaging.
- Improve OEE, reduce scrap, and shorten cycle times through data-driven problem solving and continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain PFMEA, control plans, standardized work, and work instructions for stable, repeatable processes.
- Apply Lean/Six Sigma tools (DMAIC, 5S, Kaizen, SPC, DOE) to address root causes and lock in gains.
- Partner cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and R&D on NPI, product variants (e.g., fire-rated, moisture-resistant), and scale-up.
- Drive automation and mistake-proofing; collaborate on controls/PLC improvements, recipe management, and real-time process monitoring.
- Plan and execute trials and validations; establish IQ/OQ/PQ and capability analyses where applicable.
- Champion a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ISO 9001) and site procedures.
About Us:
Knauf is one of the world's leading manufacturers of modern insulation materials, gypsum wallboard systems, plasters and accessories, thermal insulation composite systems, floor screed, floor systems, and construction equipment and tools. With more than 250 production facilities and sales organizations in over 90 countries, 40,000 employees worldwide. The Knauf Group is without doubt one of the big players on the market - in Europe, the USA, South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Please note, applicants must have entitlements to work in Australia. As part of the recruitment process, police and medical checks for security clearance pertaining to specific job requirements will be conducted for successful applicants.
We are committed to celebrating diversity and creating an inclusive environment. We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures - including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the LGBTQI+ community and people living with disability. Please let our team know if we can adjust our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs.
Process Improvement Engineer employer: Knauf Group
At Knauf Australia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering competitive pay of $33.00 per hour plus super and allowances, alongside generous benefits like 14 weeks of parental leave and access to discounts on health insurance and gym memberships. Our Dandenong South location fosters a supportive work culture with ample career development and training opportunities, ensuring that our employees can grow and thrive in their roles while contributing to a diverse and inclusive environment.
