Process Engineer

Job Details

Job Location: Ashtabula, OH 44004

Summary

A Manufacturing Molding Process Engineer develops workflow, work station, and equipment improvement recommendations within a company's manufacturing environment. Fine tunes manufacturing processes by researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing methods and equipment. Evaluates manufacturing processes, applies knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and material.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Process and Material Documentation

• Maintain organize set-up sheets for individual products to each SMC formulation.
• Maintain organize set-up mold shim packages for individual products with any relative press requirements.
• Review and track COA's for all SMC received. Work with material vendors to resolve all out of specification conditions.

Process Development and Improvement

• Collaborating with SMC suppliers conduct and execute mold and material trials evaluate and document results.
• Collaborate with mold department and observer production of various molds and/or materials that data shows a need for improvement. Generate and track action items for the Mold Maintenance, Maintenance, Material Suppliers, or Mold Shop work to achieve those improvements.
• Hold a monthly meeting with R & D Manager, Supervisory and Technical molding personnel to review production performance, tested results, scrap, mold work requirements, and any data pertinent to achieving scrap and production improvements.
• Review and determine improvement opportunities for molds, materials, or process to improve scrap, production output, and quality.

Door Skin Testing

• Weekly testing on various molded SMC products. Measuring length, width, color, hardness and surface energy.
• Maintain data file, evaluate results, report tested results and initiated improvement actions with suppliers weekly.
• Flash measurements, document and evaluate mold work requirements.

Molds

• Mold Maintenance based on cycle count, evaluate Door Skin surface condition, Flash measurements, and any tool conditions. Determine work requirement and communicate with vendor for quotation purposes.
• Salesforce, review with management, input and initiate mold work requirements. Update and maintain Plant input requirements for mold communication.
• Work with various Mold Shop vendors has required for all mold work requirements and quotations. Submit, document and track purchase requests and purchase orders. Send out a weekly status with dates.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Required: A bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field is typically required.

Preferred: Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree in a relevant field, particularly for more advanced roles or positions in research and development (R&D).

Additional Skills and Certifications

Skills: Strong problem‑solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills are essential. Proficiency with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, MATLAB) and design software (e.g., AutoCAD) is often required.

Certifications: While not always required, certifications such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Project Management Professional (PMP) can be advantageous for career advancement.

Computer Skills

Possess intermediate knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. Internet/Intranet experience preferred.

Language Skills

Strong language skills are crucial for a Process Engineer to communicate complex technical information effectively to various audiences, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and collaborate across teams and cultures. Proficiency in technical writing, clear oral communication, and a strong grasp of industry-specific vocabulary and safety language are essential for success in this role.

Mathematical Skills

A strong foundation in mathematics is essential for process engineers, enabling them to model systems, optimize processes, and solve engineering problems. Skills in calculus, algebra, statistics, differential equations, and optimization techniques are central to effectively performing their roles and improving process efficiency, safety, and quality.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to understand the financial impact of decisions and to make decisions consistent with the goals of plant performance. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle, or feel, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. Use caution when lifting or handling objects or equipment. Stay within the recommended weight limit of 50 pounds, and get help if material is over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.