Jr Process Engineer

Seeking a dependable and experienced Jr Process Engineer to oversee kiln operations at our limestone mine in Marble City, Oklahoma. This full-time role is critical to maintaining efficient and continuous production of quicklime by managing the kiln process and supervising kiln crew members. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, detail-oriented, and capable of troubleshooting combustion and mining process equipment in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Key Responsibilities

Kiln Operations & Process Monitoring:

• Create daily/weekly/monthly reports
• Oversee the operation of rotary or vertical kilns used in the calcination of limestone.
• Monitor kiln temperature, fuel consumption, airflow, and material flow to ensure optimal performance.
• Adjust controls and settings to maintain consistent quality and throughput of finished product.
• Perform visual and instrument-based audits to detect irregularities or equipment malfunctions.
• Perform RCA’s and institute corrective actions for failures
  
  

Team Leadership:

• Lead and support kiln operators and related crew members during shift operations.
• Provide on-the-job training, guidance, and daily task direction to ensure operational efficiency.
• Communicate shift handoffs clearly and document operational issues and downtime events.
  
  

Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

• Perform or coordinate routine preventive maintenance on kiln systems and associated equipment (burners, fans, conveyors, dust collectors).
• Identify and troubleshoot process or equipment issues, escalating major problems to maintenance or plant leadership.
• Ensure refractory lining, seals, and fuel systems are in safe and proper working condition.
• Develop SOP’s for critical tasks
  
  

Safety & Compliance:

• Enforce all safety rules and procedures, including use of PPE and lockout/tagout protocols.
• Maintain compliance with MSHA and environmental regulations.
• Complete safety inspections, incident reports, and kiln logbooks accurately and timely.
  
  

Quality & Efficiency:

• Ensure collection of plant data
• Collect samples of product for quality testing; monitor and ensure compliance with product specifications.
• Work closely with plant and lab staff to troubleshoot quality concerns and make process adjustments as needed.
• Strive for continuous improvement in kiln uptime, fuel efficiency, and product consistency.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Work performed in high-temperature, dusty, and noisy industrial environments, both indoors and outdoors.
• Physically demanding role requiring:
• Prolonged standing, climbing ladders/stairs, and working at heights
• Lifting up to 50 lbs
• Exposure to extreme heat, rotating machinery, and pressurized systems
  

Schedule

• 8 hour shifts (rotating or fixed, depending on production needs)
• This location operates 7 days per week, 24 hours per day
• Weekends and on-call availability as required
  
  

Compensation

• Competitive annual salary based on experience ($75k-$95k)
• Full-time position (Salary)
  
  

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• 3 years of kiln or combustion process experience required; supervisory experience preferred
• Working knowledge of combustion systems, material handling, and kiln control systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and lead small teams in a production environment
• Forklift or heavy equipment operation experience is a plus