Senior Process Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Senior Process Engineer leads and continuously improves The Soundcoat Company's cost estimating and process engineering functions. This role owns the end-to-end estimating process—from customer inquiry through final quotation—ensuring accurate, competitive, and profitable cost structures for our specialized acoustic and thermal insulation products. In addition to serving as the primary technical authority for material yield optimization, tooling, and manufacturability, this position directly manages and coaches a team of Cost Estimator/Drafters.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Management: Direct, coach, and develop a team of two Cost Estimator/Drafters, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and professional growth in blueprint translation and nesting strategies.

• Cost Estimating & Material Yield: Oversee the creation, review, and final approval of labor, material yield, tooling, overhead, and subcontract cost models for custom-engineered solutions.

• Process & Manufacturing Engineering: Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing workflows, tooling, and fabrication methods (including CNC waterjetting, die-cutting, and laminating) to maximize productivity and reduce material scrap.

• Data Analysis & Accuracy: Analyze actual fabrication and material costs against initial estimates to conduct variance analyses and continuously refine estimating methodologies.

• Technical Review & DFM: Interpret complex customer blueprints, material specifications, and CAD models to assess Design for Manufacturability (DFM) for multi-layer acoustic/thermal composites.

• Continuous Improvement: Lead operational excellence initiatives (including time studies, nesting optimization, and process evaluations) in alignment with ISO 9001 quality standards.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Sales, Customer Service, Production, Quality, and Leadership to support new product introductions (NPI) and overall business objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or a related field).

• Experience: Minimum 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a heavy emphasis on cost estimating, process planning, and precision fabrication.

• Leadership: Demonstrated experience managing, leading, or mentoring technical personnel (drafters, estimators, or junior engineers).

• Technical Skills: High proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD and SolidWorks); deep understanding of manufacturing costing structures and material utilization.

• Communication: Strong problem-solving, analytical, and cross-functional communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with iGems software or precision waterjet/die-cutting optimization.

• Background in custom fabrication, engineered-to-order (ETO), or flexible material conversion (foams, films, adhesives, textiles).

• Familiarity with JD Edwards AS400 or similar legacy ERP/MRP systems.

• Experience operating within an ISO 9001 or AS9100 certified environment.

Work Environment

This position operates in a manufacturing environment and requires close interaction with production, customer service, engineering staff, quality assurance, and management.