Process Engineer

Company Overview

Technology Applications Group (TAG)is the developer of the  Tagnite® Coating System , an anodic coating for magnesium alloys that delivers exceptional corrosion and abrasion resistance. TAG is a long-standing leader in magnesium surface finishing for the Aerospace and Defense industries and has maintained  AS9100 certification and  NADCAP accreditation for more than a decade.

Position Overview

TAG is seeking a  Plant Manager – Metal Finishing Operations to lead and oversee magnesium coating application and removal operations. This is a  hands-on, on-site role with direct responsibility for process ownership, production oversight, and continuous improvement across finishing operations. Remote or hybrid work is not available.

This position combines practical engineering execution with floor-level leadership, including direct management of production leads to ensure procedural compliance, quality performance, and operational discipline. The role operates within a tightly regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment and requires consistent, daily engagement with production operations and finishing equipment.

This position requires U.S. citizenship and eligibility to work with ITAR-controlled materials. Visa sponsorship, C2C arrangements, and third-party recruiter submissions are not available.

Key Responsibilities

• Control anodizing and related metal finishing processes to meet production, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Own process performance metrics, troubleshoot process and equipment issues and implement corrective actions to reduce scrap, rework, and downtime.
• Define, document, and maintain process parameters, control plans, operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives across finishing operations.
• Manage and train floor leads to ensure production personnel follow approved procedures, quality requirements, and safe operating practices.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to ensure consistent part quality and specification compliance.
• Participate in root-cause analysis and corrective action activities for internal quality issues and customer concerns.
• Support the specification, installation, validation, and commissioning of new finishing equipment and process lines.
• Partner with company chemists to ensure ongoing compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations.
• Actively support the selection and implementation of a new ERP system by learning the software, helping define workflows, and training colleagues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in  Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Industrial Engineering, Materials and Processing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering  required.
• 2–10 years of relevant experience in metal finishing, process engineering, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience supervising or managing employees in a manufacturing or processing environment.
• Proven ability to work within documented process controls and quality systems.
• U.S. citizenship required with the ability to work on ITAR-controlled parts.

Preferred Qualifications (Not Required)

• Direct experience in metal finishing, anodizing, plating, or surface treatment operations.
• Working understanding of electrochemical processes, surface preparation, and finishing chemistry.
• Familiarity with EHS regulations applicable to metal finishing operations (e.g., EPA, OSHA).
• Experience using ERP systems in manufacturing or production environments.
• Prior experience in aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays

Work Location

• On-site at TAG’s facility in  Grand Forks, North Dakota
• Applicants must be willing to reside locally or relocate prior to start date
• Relocation assistance is provided