Manufacturing Engineer

Location: Pinch A Penny Suncoast Chemicals Plant; 15400 62nd St North. Clearwater, FL. 33760 *This role is located on site. Relocation assistance available. What to Expect? The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for driving measurable improvements in manufacturing performance, process reliability, equipment capability, and operational discipline across Suncoast. This hands-on role supports production-critical systems and related infrastructure that directly impact safe and efficient operations, including airflow, temperature-sensitive process conditions, wet air scrubbers, VFDs, suction/vacuum systems, and related mechanical, electrical, and control interfaces. The Manufacturing Engineer will lead and support continuous improvement efforts, advance production tracking and KPI systems, standardize processes, improve flow, and partner with production leadership to identify bottlenecks and execute practical solutions. This position requires a driven, data-minded leader who challenges the status quo, listens to the team, uses facts to guide decisions, and is motivated to grow into broader operational responsibility. On a daily basis our Manufacturing Engineer: - Fully implement and sustain the production tracking system (Vorne) across applicable departments, production lines, and equipment to monitor efficiency, OEE, downtime, standards, and daily performance. - Develop meaningful reports, dashboards, visual management tools, and KPIs that help production managers and supervisors identify bottlenecks, losses, trends, and continuous improvement opportunities. - Take initiative in reviewing production data with department leaders and supervisors; convert findings into action plans that improve throughput, reduce downtime, improve labor utilization, reduce cost, and strengthen operating performance. - Understand, troubleshoot, and optimize process and production-support systems including wet air scrubbers, VFDs, suction/vacuum systems, airflow controls, temperature-sensitive process conditions, and related mechanical/electrical interfaces. - Work cross-functionally with production, maintenance, safety, quality, and purchasing teams to identify equipment or process issues, determine root cause, and implement sustainable corrective actions. - Size, specify, justify, source, purchase, install, and commission equipment upgrades for production departments, ensuring safety, feasibility, ROI, operational readiness, and long-term maintainability. - Apply project management skills to plan, schedule, budget, and execute engineering and improvement projects from concept through commissioning. - Review and improve process flow, equipment layout, material movement, staffing methods, changeovers, and operating practices to reduce waste and increase efficiency. - Finalize, implement, audit, and sustain the 5S program, including visual standards, ownership expectations, corrective actions, and management routines. - Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, standard work, training materials, technical documentation, and operating standards that support safe and repeatable processes. - Use data, direct observation, and operator input to guide decisions; avoid relying solely on opinion, assumptions, or 'how it has always been done.' - Lead and support Lean and continuous improvement activities including root cause analysis (RCA), Kaizen events, value stream or process mapping, cycle time reduction, waste reduction, and standard work. - Assist in training production personnel on process changes, production tracking, operating procedures, equipment upgrades, and safe work practices. - Bring energy, accountability, and adaptability to a fast-paced chemical manufacturing environment, maintaining performance amid changing priorities and tasks. - Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support operational goals. What You Will Need: - Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience; Master’s degree a plus. - Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing, process engineering, continuous improvement, or operations support role; chemical manufacturing, packaging, or high-speed production experience preferred. - Green Belt certification minimum; Black Belt certification a plus. - Strong mechanical aptitude and working knowledge of process equipment, VFDs, vacuum/suction systems, airflow systems, scrubbers, controls, and production-support infrastructure. - Demonstrated experience with OEE, production tracking systems, KPI development, dashboards, and data-driven performance management; Power BI, advanced Excel, ERP/J.D. Edwards, and AS400 experience a plus. - Strong technical communication skills with the ability to translate data, observations, and engineering recommendations into clear actions for production teams. - Extremely well organized with an ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, follow through on commitments, and maintain a keen eye for detail. - Bias for action, high ownership, and the desire to challenge the status quo while growing into broader operational responsibility over time. At POOLCORP, we are committed to our employees’ success. Our comprehensive benefits program offers the flexibility of benefits that meet the needs of our employees and their families. Some of these benefits include medical, dental and vision care, company-paid life and long-term disability insurance, prescription drug coverage, flexible spending and health savings accounts, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan, and employee assistance and education reimbursement programs. These benefits can help build a foundation for the future while helping employees live a healthy lifestyle. Please note that benefits are subject to change. The annual compensation for this position in Florida is between $110k and $130K based on a full-time schedule. Additionally, this position may be eligible for relocation or cost of living adjustments. The application window for this position is expected to close after 30 days of posting but will remain open until filled. Your total compensation (pay, benefits, and bonuses) will be adjusted based upon your job classification, hours worked, and length of employment. Please note that benefits are subject to change. Living in Clearwater, FL Clearwater, FL offers a coastal lifestyle with access to top-rated beaches, over 240 days of sunshine, and a mix of urban-suburban neighborhoods. IT is a popular, active community, ideal for those seeking a balance of beach, culture and outdoor activities. Looking to work for the best in the industry? Look no further than POOLCORP, the world's leading distributor of outdoor living products. With over 445 Sales Centers in 13 countries and a team with more than 6,000 dedicated employees, we are committed to meeting the needs of our customers with pride and professionalism. Our network includes SCP Distributors, SCP Distributors International, Superior Pool Products, National Pool Trends, Pinch A Penny, and Horizon Distributors. Why join POOLCORP/Pinch A Penny? We offer a wealth of opportunities for career growth and advancement, with comprehensive training programs to support your success. As a company, we value integrity, trust, diversity, and innovation, and we strive to foster a family-oriented, hometown culture that is supported by our strong, stable, and growing business. Join us today and experience the best of both worlds! So, end your job search here – at POOLCORP – Where Outdoor Living Comes to Life! Bilingual, Military, Military Spouses and Veteran applicants are strongly encouraged to apply! We understand the uniqueness of hiring military personnel and veterans and will support him/her in the time of duty or with the transition into new civilian professions. All offers to external candidates for employment are contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment drug testing and background verifications before employment is finalized. This position is considered “safety-sensitive” and includes tasks or duties which could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the tasks or others. POOLCORP, including all its subsidiaries, is a drug-free company and Equal Opportunity Employer – By Choice. The Company understands, respects, and values diversity – unique styles, experiences, identities, ideas, and opinions – while striving to be inclusive of all people. This commitment is critical to our success as a global company as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Hiring and promotional decisions are based solely on the qualifications required for the job to be filled. Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 15+ years Salary: $110,000 - $130,000 Annual Bonus/Commission: Yes