Process Engineer Lead

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Process Engineer Lead for a direct hire opportunity with a leading manufacturing operation in Cayey, PR. This role is ideal for a fully bilingual English and Spanish engineering professional who is ready to lead process optimization, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives in a regulated manufacturing environment.

The Process Engineer Lead will play a key role in improving manufacturing performance, quality, reliability, and efficiency while partnering closely with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams. This opportunity offers exposure to a fast-paced, innovative manufacturing setting, supportive cross-functional leadership, and the chance to lead high-impact projects that directly improve business performance.

Candidates must be available to complete a 3-month training program in Europe, offering a unique international development opportunity and valuable exposure to global manufacturing practices.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop, improve, and sustain manufacturing processes that enhance efficiency, quality, reliability, and operational performance.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles, engineering best practices, and data-driven problem solving.
- Analyze process performance, identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and support improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness.
- Lead and support initiatives related to Autonomous Maintenance, Centerlining, CIL, SMED, and TPM-based manufacturing practices.
- Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
- Ensure compliance with ISO standards, OSHA regulations, GMP requirements, SOPs, technical documentation, and change control processes.

Compensation and Benefits

- Job type: Direct hire.
- Location: Cayey, PR.
- Training requirement: Candidates must be available to complete a 3-month training program in Europe.
- Dollar-for-dollar 401k match up to 3%.
- Weekly payroll.
- Company paid holidays.
- Stock savings plan.
- 15 days of vacation.
- Health fair.
- Employee recognition programs.
- Health insurance.
- Educational assistance.
- Life insurance.
- Occupational clinic.
- Vision insurance.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans

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For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AppleOne is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.

AppleOne participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Additional Skills

Required Qualifications and Skills

- Lead process optimization and continuous improvement projects within a manufacturing environment.
- Drive OEE improvement initiatives and corrective actions based on process performance analysis.
- Support implementation of Lean Manufacturing, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, SPC, and SAP-related process controls.
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to improve manufacturing results.

- Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in Process Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related role.
- Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
- Experience working in regulated manufacturing environments such as pharmaceutical, medical device, consumer goods, or similar industries.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, SPC, and SAP.
- Experience supporting compliance with ISO standards, OSHA regulations, and Good Manufacturing Practices.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and project leadership skills.
- Ability to influence cross-functional teams, manage priorities, and deliver measurable process improvement results.

Preferred Qualifications

- Master’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field.
- Lean Six Sigma Certification.
- Experience with TPM, SMED, Centerlining, Autonomous Maintenance, CIL, and OEE improvement programs.