Process Engineer

Role overview

Knauf Metal is looking for a Manufacturing Process Engineer to join its Camellia site in New South Wales. In this position, you will report to the Engineering Manager and take ownership of improving key plasterboard production processes. The role focuses on strengthening safety, product quality, output, and cost performance directly on the plant floor, with a clear path toward broader engineering and operations leadership.

Key responsibilities

• Drive process improvements across plasterboard manufacturing stages, including calcination, mixing, forming, drying, cutting, edge finishing, stacking, and packaging.
• Use data-led problem solving to lift overall equipment effectiveness, cut waste, and reduce cycle time.
• Create, review, and sustain PFMEA documents, control plans, standard work, and work instructions to support stable operations.
• Apply continuous improvement methods such as DMAIC, 5S, Kaizen, SPC, and DOE to identify root causes and secure lasting fixes.
• Work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and R&D teams on new product introductions, product variants, and process scale-up.
• Support automation and mistake-proofing efforts, including collaboration on controls/PLC enhancements, recipe control, and live process monitoring.
• Plan and run process trials and validations, including IQ/OQ/PQ and capability studies where relevant.
• Promote a strong safety culture and help ensure compliance with standards such as ISO 9001 and site procedures.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant is based in or near Camellia and can work full-time from the manufacturing site. Experience in continuous process industries or building materials is valuable, and exposure to plasterboard or gypsum production is especially preferred. You should bring practical experience with PFMEA, control plans, standardised work, and process validation, along with strong statistical and analytical capability using Excel, Power BI, and Minitab. A background in Lean or Six Sigma, ideally Green or Black Belt level, will be considered an advantage.

Requirements

• You must have full, unrestricted Australian working rights; visa sponsorship is not available.
• A valid police check is required.
• You need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering such as mechanical, chemical, industrial, materials, or electrical engineering, or in a closely related science field.
• You must successfully complete a pre-employment medical.
• You should be able to attend the Camellia manufacturing site full time, as this is not a remote role.
• Prior hands-on experience with PFMEA, control plans, standardised work, process validation, SPC, DOE, and problem-solving tools is expected.

Benefits

• Base salary of $120,000 to $140,000 plus superannuation.
• Company-provided phone and laptop.
• 14 weeks of parental leave for the primary carer.
• Annual salary review.
• Discounts on health insurance, gym memberships, Qantas lounge access, novated leasing, and trade purchases.
• Structured leadership development with mentorship and chances to lead high-visibility cross-functional projects.
• Free parking on site.
• Free physiotherapy on site.

About Knauf

Knauf is a global manufacturer of modern insulation products, gypsum wallboard systems, plasters, accessories, thermal insulation composite systems, floor screed, floor systems, and construction tools and equipment. The company operates more than 250 production facilities and sales organisations across over 90 countries and employs around 40,000 people worldwide.

Selection and workplace information

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. Successful candidates will be asked to complete police and medical checks as part of the recruitment process for security clearance tied to the role’s requirements. Knauf values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQI+ communities, and people living with disability. The company is also open to making recruitment adjustments to support accessibility needs.