Lead Process Engineer

Location: Bellefontaine, OH | Schedule: Full-time, on-site (flexible 6:00–8:00 AM start, ~45-hour week, minimal Saturdays)

Overview

An established manufacturer with a collaborative, innovation-focused engineering culture is seeking a Lead Process Engineer to help drive continuous improvement, new technology adoption, and operational excellence within an assigned production area. This hands‑on role partners closely with an Engineering Manager and Production Manager, offering autonomy to lead meaningful engineering upgrades while supporting a stable, team-oriented environment.

What you'll do

• Partner with sister manufacturing sites to support key initiatives and share best practices
• Oversee, analyze, and drive production KPIs and performance metrics
• Lead continuous improvement (CI) projects, managing budgets, timelines, and 2–6 individual CI projects simultaneously
• Conduct biannual capability and capacity analyses for the assigned area
• Spend up to 50% of time on the manufacturing floor handling engineering tasks and mechanical troubleshooting
• Support new model engineering efforts, including startup preparation, tooling readiness, and line modifications
• Improve line layouts and use 2D/3D software to design specialized fixtures and gauges
• Train associates on production, quality, and engineering procedures
• Collaborate with quality teams to identify root causes and implement countermeasures
• Take on additional engineering assignments as needed

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technologies, industrial technologies, or manufacturing technologies
• At least five years of similar manufacturing engineering experience
• General understanding of process controls, ideally PFMEA
• Experience with continuous improvement initiatives such as scrap reduction, efficiency improvement, and downtime elimination
• Project management skills, including managing timelines and budgets
• Basic 2D and 3D modeling skills
• Mechanical aptitude
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Ability to manage own projects while guiding junior engineers
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels

Preferred qualifications

• Automotive manufacturing experience
• Experience with capital equipment projects
• Exposure to Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies
• New model launch experience
• Strong data analysis skills
• Tooling experience
• Familiarity with Power BI
• Experience supervising others
• Local to the Bellefontaine, Ohio area

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive base salary with bonus potential
• Medical benefits available the first of the month after 30 days of employment
• Holidays and vacation
• 401(k) plan
• Annual bonus
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates

Why this role

This position offers true engineering autonomy, a collaborative leadership structure, and rare manufacturing flexibility—including a 45-hour average workweek, flexible morning start times, and minimal weekend work—within a secure organization focused on long-term innovation and growth.