Manufacturing Process Engineer

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Location: Bowling Green, OH, Perrysburg, OH

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Process Engineer is responsible for driving stability, yield improvement, and operational excellence in a high-volume, 24/7 manufacturing environment. This role leads process development, continuous improvement, and manufacturing support, with strong focus on grit blasting, surface preparation, and automated coating systems.

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position supporting 24/7 continuous operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing to improve safety, quality, throughput, and cost • Support and improve grit blasting and surface preparation processes to ensure capability and product quality • Provide hands-on technical support for grit blast systems (suction and pressure)
• Support and optimize automated coating processes, ensuring compliance with AIAG CQI-12 standards
• Lead APQP / NPI activities, including product launches, trials, and change management • Drive yield improvement, scrap reduction, OEE improvement, and cycle time reduction
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and standard work • Own and execute 8D problem solving for process, quality, and customer issues • Develop, validate, and maintain PFMEA, Control Plans, and SPC processes
• Troubleshoot process variation, equipment downtime, and product defects • Analyze production data to identify trends and implement corrective actions
• Partner with operations, maintenance, and quality teams to ensure process stability and repeatability • Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives to maximize uptime
• Develop and maintain work instructions, SOPs, process documentation, and inspection criteria • Participate in MRB, including disposition of nonconforming material and corrective actions
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, engineering specifications, and quality standards • Track, report, and communicate key manufacturing metrics OEE, Uptime, Availability, Cycle Time, FPY
• Promote and maintain a safe and organized work environment • Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager

Core Competencies

• Proven go-getter mindset with ability to drive results • Experience working with global teams and suppliers • Strong customer focus and communication skills
• Strong ownership, urgency, and accountability • Data-driven and objective evidence-based problem solving approach • Ability to support 24/7 manufacturing operations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's / Master's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing) • 3 to 5 years of automotive manufacturing experience in grit blasting and automated coating processes • Experience in NPI / process development and customer-facing roles
• Proven ability in:
  • Process optimization, yield improvement, and defect reduction
  • 8D problem solving and root cause analysis
  • PFMEA, Control Plans, and SPC
• Hands-on experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
• Knowledge of automation systems, controls, and manufacturing equipment
• Proficiency in SAP, Minitab, JMP and Microsoft Office
• Strong analytical, communication, and execution skills
• Experience supporting IATF 16949, ISO 9001, or similar systems
• Exposure to PLC-controlled equipment and predictive maintenance