Process Engineer

Process Engineer

Textiles Coated International is a manufacturer of specialty PTFE materials. Since 1985, TCI has been continuously manufacturing high-quality materials designed to perform in the most challenging thermal and chemical environments. TCI's two-facilities house manufacturing space with customized coating, lamination, fabrication, film, mixing, maintenance, research and development, and laboratory departments. With an around-the-clock manufacturing schedule, TCI is constantly focused on providing high quality products, short lead times, and excellent customer support.

The Process Engineer develops and optimizes cost-effective manufacturing processes that meet product specifications, quality requirements, and business objectives. Serving as a key connection between R&D, engineering, and operations, this role focuses on improving and advancing PTFE lamination processes while supporting new product introduction and continuous improvement initiatives. Working directly in the plant environment, the engineer enhances productivity, reduces waste, ensures safety and quality compliance, and contributes to the company's ongoing growth and operational excellence.

Essential Job Functions

• Support and improve PTFE lamination processes, including optimizing parameters, troubleshooting material behavior, and reducing scrap related to lamination operations.
• Improve key production metrics by increasing throughput, enhancing product quality, and reducing labor and material costs.
• Develop, refine, and troubleshoot manufacturing processes by evaluating product requirements, analyzing process parameters, and applying knowledge of fabrication, assembly, tooling, and materials.
• Collaborate with Product Development to support new product design, scale-up, and successful transfer of new materials and processes into manufacturing.
• Optimize workflow efficiency by analyzing current operations, designing work cells, evaluating space and equipment layout, and applying Lean manufacturing principles.
• Ensure product quality and process control through the development of in-process inspections, finished product testing, process capability analysis, operational limits, and validation of new or revised manufacturing processes.
• Investigate and resolve customer issues, including product returns and performance concerns, by identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Support cost analysis efforts by providing accurate production rates, labor estimates, and material usage calculations to Sales and Accounting.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, Work Instructions, and process documentation, ensuring all manufacturing activities are properly recorded and controlled.
• Train operators and manufacturing staff on procedures, product requirements, and safe equipment operation; support maintenance technicians in ensuring proper equipment performance.
• Create and maintain product specifications and ensure documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with production needs.
• Manage and update ERP system data, including part numbers, routings, bills of materials, and production standards.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Materials, Polymer, or Manufacturing Engineering
• 2-5 years of experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment preferred (internships, co-ops, or project work considered)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Exposure to Lean manufacturing concepts (coursework or project experience acceptable)
• Familiarity with ERP systems (M1 experience is a plus, not required)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Additional Qualifications:

• Green or black belt in Six Sigma
• Proficiency in Excel coding
• Experience with fluoropolymers, dip coating, lamination, calendaring or flexible composites
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• At ease with working on a factory floor
• Experience with product design and designing for manufacturability