Sr Associate, Process Improvement Engineer

Role details

Requisition ID: 75483

Date: Aug 17, 2026

Location

St. Petersburg, FL, US, 33709

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Department: Engineering

Description

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

Job Summary

In this role, you will be key to implementing new technology, developing and introducing process improvements, standards, life cycle management and validation in select process areas, helping to advance and transform West's growing business, supporting capital investments and contributing to addressing complex assignments. This role offers the opportunity to drive the implementation of new innovative processes, automation and new technologies in cooperation with the engineering and quality assurance teams and the plants. The person is a member of the local Process Improvement Engineering Team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Take responsibility for a well-defined process area and process related projects.

Initiate, lead and coordinate improvements of existing processes on quality, service, HSE and cost within the standard known/approved process frame and using best practice knowledge.

Provide expertise in your specific technology relevant for West products within Process Engineering and to other West functions. Acquire further knowledge in your specific area of expertise.

Prepare and obtain approval for project time schedules and ensure conformance to such plans and to the related budgets in implementation.

Execute best practice validation concepts.

Strongly support the implementation / roll-out of automation and new innovative processes and technologies in joint cooperation with the automation, engineering- and quality assurance teams.

Assess current process status locally, perform a gap analysis to global standards and manage the harmonization of this best practice at the site.

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of specific processes to support the Operations organisation in solving any product or process related issue requiring involvement.

Initiate and lead appropriate communication with facilities and departments in order to support good relations and maximise achievements through a cooperative environment.

Engage in solutioning product or process related issues as needed.

Manage process or technology or product transfer projects between plants from a process stand-point as assigned.

Evaluate and approve all change requests locally, related to the area of expertise.

Interface between Research and Development/QA/Sales and shop-floor production for new products. Manage the development of robust process for final industrial production in the site

Actively participate in the implementation and maintenance of a system to gather operational knowledge (Knowledge Management).

Utilize six sigma tools in minimizing process variation and improving the quality of product produced.

Ensure that all projects and activities are in compliance with local, regional and best practice requirements on HSE and meet other applicable authority requirements. All internal change control procedures incl. e.g. adequate risk assessment/ FMEA are to be followed strictly.

Prepare reports as may be required on a routine basis or on demand within established deadlines.

Participate in customer meetings to resolve customer complaints and serve as West's production processes subject matter expert.

Support the introduction, start-up and validation of new equipment in the local site in order to guarantee a short start-up time.

May utilize data-based decision making. Create test plans, evaluate test results and define new process parameters based on the analysis of test results.

Participate in other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or another scientific area required.

Work Experience

Minimum 5 years experience in a similar position within the manufacturing industry required

Experience in Project management preferred

Experience in polymer chemistry or rubber technology preferred

Experience in Compression or Injection Molding preferred

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Good knowledge of LEAN and 6 Sigma manufacturing principles

Knowledge of statistical methods and the use of tools such as Minitab

cGMP knowledge

Able to be aware of all relevant standard operating procedures as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description

Support and contribute to Lean Sigma programs and activities towards delivery of the set target

Able to comply with the company's safety and quality policies at all times

License and Certifications

Manufacturing\\Six Sigma Green Belt Certification within 1 Year required

Travel Requirements

20%: Up to 52 business days per year

Physical Requirements

Light-Exerting up to 20lbs/9kg of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force frequently constantly to move objects.

Additional Requirements

Self-motivated, results- and solution-oriented personality

Very good organizational and project management skills

Highly analytical and structured way of working

Ability to successfully collaborate with teams across different countries and organizational levels

Fluent in English

Proficient in Microsoft based programs

Ability to assert technical solutions and standards in an international environment

Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate well with people across different countries

Manage working with colleagues in different time-zones

Able to routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Position operates in a professional office environment. May stand or sit for extended periods of time

Must be able to communicate effectively with written and oral skills, make quick decisions, interpret data, read and write, speak in front of groups, express and exchange ideas, understand direction and adhere to procedures

Organizational skills will enable planning, prioritization and achievement of goals especially of importance for the successful execution of related activities

Read and interpret data, information and documents

Must maintain the ability to work well with others in a variety of situations

Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints, problem solve, and prioritize

Ability to make independent and sound judgments

Observe and interpret situations, analyze and solve problems

#LI-TH1

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in order to apply to West, please send an email to [email protected]. Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.

Nearest Major Market: Tampa