Process Engineer

Job Description:

Process Engineer - Manufacturing Improvement

JOB SUMMARY
The Process Engineer - Manufacturing Improvement works closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, and Operations teams to improve plant performance through stronger process control, structured problem solving, standard work, and Lean manufacturing practices. This role serves as a hands-on partner to production teams, spending significant time on the manufacturing floor identifying opportunities to improve quality, safety, efficiency, yield, and cost performance.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical and analytical capabilities with a practical, team-oriented approach to problem solving. This individual will drive sustainable process improvements by working directly with operators, supervisors, and cross-functional stakeholders to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and strengthen operational discipline.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Process Improvement & Problem Solving
• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, and Operations leadership to identify, prioritize, and resolve process-related issues impacting quality, cost, efficiency, yield, downtime, and customer satisfaction.
• Analyze production data, scrap, yield loss, downtime, defects, rework, customer claims, and process variation to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities using tools such as Root Cause Analysis, 5 Why, Fishbone Diagrams, Pareto Analysis, A3 Thinking, and corrective action processes.
• Support process validations, manufacturing trials, new material evaluations, alternate supplier qualifications, and process changes.
Manufacturing Floor Engagement
• Spend significant time on the production floor observing processes, engaging operators and supervisors, identifying abnormalities, and driving issue resolution at the source.
• Partner with operations teams to improve process discipline, reduce variation, and ensure adherence to established standard work.
• Train and coach operators, leads, and supervisors on problem-solving methodologies, standard work, visual management, and process control fundamentals.
Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
• Support Lean manufacturing initiatives including 5S, visual management, waste reduction, standard work, layered audits, and daily accountability processes.
• Develop and implement visual controls that improve visibility of process performance, abnormalities, quality concerns, and operational gaps.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, material movement, equipment utilization, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Support cost reduction efforts through scrap reduction, downtime reduction, labor efficiency improvements, and elimination of recurring process failures.
Process Standardization & Quality Improvement
• Develop, document, and improve standard operating procedures and standard work for manufacturing processes including startup, shutdown, changeover, setup, inspection, cleaning, and defect response activities.
• Support quality improvement initiatives by strengthening in-process inspections, operator quality checks, defect prevention methods, and Quality at the Source practices.
• Partner with Maintenance to identify equipment-related process variation and improve reliability, preventative maintenance effectiveness, and uptime.
Performance Monitoring & Project Execution
• Establish project baselines, performance metrics, action plans, timelines, and sustainment measures.
• Track and report progress on improvement initiatives, including operational and financial impacts.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, teamwork, and employee engagement across manufacturing operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Strong manufacturing process improvement and problem-solving skills.
• Experience applying Lean manufacturing principles, including 5S, standard work, visual management, waste reduction, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to analyze production and quality data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into practical solutions.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across multiple levels of the organization without direct authority.
• Strong project management, organization, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to balance technical analysis with hands-on manufacturing floor execution.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment, process control, quality systems, and operational performance metrics.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Key Competencies
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Root Cause Problem Solving
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Operational Excellence
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Coaching and Team Development
• Process Discipline and Accountability

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Operations Management, or a related field required. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.
EXPERIENCE
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Experience leading or supporting process improvement, Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or quality improvement initiatives preferred.
• Experience with scrap reduction, yield improvement, downtime reduction, cost reduction, or operational excellence projects preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or similar certification preferred but not required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods. Frequent movement throughout manufacturing environments. Occasional lifting of materials or equipment up to 20 pounds.
ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in both office and manufacturing plant environments. Regular exposure to production equipment, machinery, noise, and varying plant conditions. Significant time spent on the manufacturing floor supporting operations and improvement activities.