At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead process optimisation and automation in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Knauf, a global leader in modern construction materials.
- Benefits: $120k-$140k salary, phone & laptop, parental leave, and yearly pay reviews.
- Other info: Enjoy free onsite parking, physio, and structured leadership development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational excellence and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in engineering or process improvement with 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.
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.
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.
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.
