Junior Process Engineer

The Junior Manufacturing Engineer will gain hands-on experience with aluminum extrusion presses, tooling, material flow, and downstream manufacturing processes while assisting in developing and implementing solutions that improve productivity, quality, safety, and operational performance.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer interested in developing technical expertise in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Support

• Provide engineering support for daily aluminum extrusion press operations.
• Assist in monitoring press performance, extrusion parameters, cycle times, scrap rates, and production efficiency.
• Identify manufacturing inefficiencies and recommend improvements to equipment, processes, and workflows.
• Support troubleshooting of extrusion-related issues, including dimensional inconsistencies, surface defects, die performance, and material flow.
• Assist with evaluating extrusion temperatures, press speeds, billet utilization, and process parameters.
• Work directly with production supervisors and operators to resolve manufacturing challenges.

Continuous Improvement & Engineering

• Participate in Lean Manufacturing, 5S, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in developing and implementing process improvements to reduce downtime, waste, and production costs.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Support engineering projects involving equipment upgrades, process modifications, and new technology implementation.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
• Participate in equipment trials, process validations, and new product introductions.

Equipment & Technical Support

• Collaborate with Maintenance to identify recurring equipment issues and develop corrective actions.
• Assist with troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems associated with extrusion presses.
• Support preventative maintenance initiatives and equipment reliability improvements.
• Assist with evaluating tooling, dies, and production equipment to improve performance and longevity.
• Participate in equipment installation, commissioning, and process optimization activities.

Quality & Safety

• Partner with Quality to investigate product defects, customer concerns, and manufacturing nonconformances.
• Assist with root cause investigations and corrective/preventive action development.
• Support compliance with ISO 9001 quality management standards.
• Identify potential safety hazards and recommend engineering controls or process improvements.
• Ensure engineering activities comply with company safety policies and applicable OSHA requirements.
• Support a culture of safe work practices and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Entry-level candidates and recent engineering graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical systems, and engineering principles.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with production and maintenance personnel.
• Willingness to work in a hands-on manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Internship, co-op, or 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Exposure to aluminum extrusion, metal forming, or heavy manufacturing operations.
• Familiarity with hydraulic systems, mechanical equipment, and industrial automation.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar engineering software.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and root cause analysis.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality standards.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing KPIs, including OEE, scrap, downtime, and productivity.

Key Competencies

• Mechanical and technical aptitude
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Attention to detail
• Initiative and willingness to learn
• Strong communication and teamwork
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects
• Accountability and follow-through
• Hands-on approach to manufacturing challenges

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and industrial manufacturing environments.
• Regular exposure to production equipment, elevated temperatures, noise, and moving machinery.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and navigate manufacturing areas for extended periods.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• May require schedule flexibility to support production activities across multiple shifts.

Performance Expectations

Success in this position will be measured through demonstrated contributions to:

Performance Area

Expectations

Press Efficiency

Support improvements in press utilization and throughput.

Scrap Reduction

Identify opportunities to reduce extrusion defects and material waste.

Downtime

Assist in identifying recurring equipment and process issues.

Process Improvement

Participate in engineering and continuous improvement projects.

Quality

Support ISO 9001 compliance and corrective actions.

Safety

Promote safe manufacturing practices and hazard identification.

Technical Development

Build working knowledge of aluminum extrusion processes and equipment.