Process Engineer

Process Engineer

This Process Engineer role supports a highly technical manufacturing operation focused on precision materials processing and production-scale process development. You will maintain and optimize specialized manufacturing equipment, drive continuous process improvements, resolve complex technical issues, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure exceptional product quality, yield, and operational efficiency. The position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge, mission-critical technologies within a stable environment that supports strong career growth, excellent work-life balance, and a competitive benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, operate, and optimize advanced manufacturing equipment used in precision materials processing.
• Support production activities by monitoring process performance, analyzing trends, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Investigate equipment and process-related issues, determine root causes, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Support long-term reliability initiatives by improving equipment uptime, process stability, and overall robustness of manufacturing operations.
• Work closely with manufacturing personnel, engineering teams, and technical specialists to address production challenges and improve throughput.
• Assist with equipment modifications, upgrades, installations, and qualification activities to support new products and processes.
• Create and maintain accurate process documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures, and technical summaries.
• Share technical knowledge with team members and support onboarding and training activities for new personnel.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure timely communication and efficient execution of production plans and engineering projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts related to quality, yield, safety, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Work with small, precision-built components and follow strict safety protocols when handling chemicals and process materials.
• Interpret engineering drawings, process specifications, schematics, and technical documentation to guide process setup and troubleshooting.
• Use data analysis, reporting, or automation tools to monitor and improve manufacturing performance.
• Participate in testing, troubleshooting, inspection, repair, or validation of electro-mechanical and high-precision systems as needed.
• Support operations in controlled and clean room environments by strictly following detailed operational procedures and cleanliness standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or another related technical discipline.
• Two or more years of engineering experience within a manufacturing, laboratory, semiconductor, electronics, or advanced technology environment.
• Experience supporting complex production equipment and technical manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with controlled production environments and adherence to detailed operational procedures.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues systematically.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and document technical information clearly.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Comfort managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting while maintaining attention to detail.
• Capability to work with small, precision-built components with a high degree of manual dexterity and accuracy.
• Ability to follow strict safety protocols when handling chemicals and process materials.
• Experience in process engineering or process improvement within semiconductor, electronics, or related advanced manufacturing environments.
• Experience working in a clean room laboratory environment within semiconductors, material growth, infrared, thermal, and/or electro-optical sensors.
• Clear and concise communication skills, with a flexible and proactive approach to duties.
• Ability to read and work from wiring diagrams, assembly drawings, and operation sheets.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in advanced materials processing, thin-film technologies, semiconductor manufacturing, or related production methods.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, process specifications, schematics, and technical documentation in detail.
• Experience using data analysis, reporting, or automation tools to improve manufacturing performance and process control.
• Familiarity with programming, scripting, or automated process-control environments.
• Hands-on experience with testing, troubleshooting, inspection, repair, or validation of electro-mechanical and high-precision systems.
• Experience in quality-driven industries requiring high levels of process control and product reliability.
• Educational Background in physics or electrical engineering is beneficial.
• Exposure to electrical, electronics, molecular, mechanical, or mechanical engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Attributes such as flexibility, assertiveness, and a strong work ethic that support success in a dynamic technical environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Naperville, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $42.30 - $55.28/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Naperville, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.