Manufacturing Engineer

Chicago, IL

The Manufacturing Engineer – Pre-rolls will develop, integrate and transition innovative solutions for the Pre Roll Manufacturing vertical.

This position will support technical training and support for our site teams for all processes associated with Pre-roll production and quality improvements. 

This role is focused on developing optimized processes and integrate automated solutions for our sites to deliver outstanding quality pre-roll products, at scale, to our consumers and patients.

This role will play a pivotal strategic role in the Early Management process – taking projects through ideation with site involvement, through a full IQ/OQ/PQ validation and hand-off to the site production teams.

The right candidate for this role will possess a unique combination of skills: ability to work with a diverse team across all locations, extensive knowledge in real-world engineering applications, Cannabis regulatory understanding, ability to influence diverse peer group, and strong leadership and people-development skills. A passion for our product and our consumers will be key to long-term success.

This role requires about 50% travel. Consistent Travel to Rock Island, IL among other locations.

Requirements

Process Design and Optimization:

Design and develop manufacturing processes for pre-roll production and secondary packaging.
Continuously optimize and improve existing processes for increased efficiency, yield, safety and quality.
Work with cross functional teams to establish and launch new pre-roll concepts across the enterprise 
Deliver ongoing training to sites on Pre-roll applications, quality improvements and efficiency

Equipment Management:

Evaluate and source strategic solutions for automation for pre-roll processing and pre-roll packaging.
Select and maintain the appropriate automated manufacturing equipment and machinery per market.
Deliver start-up management excellence to selected project efforts

Quality Control:

Implement quality control procedures to ensure pre-rolls meet the required standards and regulations.
Identify and address quality issues promptly, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
Recurring audits of Pre-roll quality through the eyes of the client across all sites

Compliance and Regulation:

Stay up to date with local, state, and federal regulations governing pre-roll production.
Work with regional compliance to ensure all manufacturing processes adhere to compliance standards, including safety and quality regulations.

Cost Control and Finance:

Manage production costs by optimizing resource utilization, minimizing waste, and reducing production downtime.
Develop project justification for new capital, manage capital project budget, and audit equipment/process integration to ensure metrics are met.

Training and Documentation:

Train and supervise production staff on proper manufacturing procedures.
Maintain detailed documentation of manufacturing processes and changes for compliance and quality assurance.
Implement safety protocols to protect employees and the environment.

Continuous Improvement:

Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and execute process improvement projects.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and 5+ years managing professional Operations and Engineering efforts 
Previous experience in a manufacturing engineering role, ideally in the cannabis or tobacco industry.
Knowledgeable of TPM-based continuous improvement methodology 
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Able to diagnose complex technical systems and develop simple human-machine interface and training solutions for optimal operations 
Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative and able to work independently or among teams with keen judgement, common sense and resourcefulness 
Adapts and thrives in a demanding, start-up, fast-paced environment 
Possesses a high level of critical thinking 
Operates with a high level of professionalism and integrity, including dealing with confidential information 
Must understand and comply with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of GTI 
Must have a solid understanding of the Medical Marijuana laws, rules and regulations set forth by the state.

Additional Requirements

Active driver’s license or State ID card.
Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
Must pass all required background checks.
Must be and remain compliant with all legal & company regulations for working in the industry.
Must be approved by the D.O.A. to receive & maintain an Agent badge

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions
Physical demands – May be required to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift, carry and balance up to 50 pounds (200 pounds with assistance).