Process Engineer

Job SummaryThe Process Engineer supports manufacturing operations by driving continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and cost. This position partners with the Production Manager and Production Supervisors to investigate quality issues, improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste and rejects, lead lean manufacturing initiatives, and manage capital improvement projects. The Process Engineer serves as the primary technical resource for problem solving and process optimization within the plant.Primary Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Functions)Process Improvement & ProductivityAnalyzes manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for productivity improvementDevelops and implements methods to improve machine efficiency, uptime, and throughputLeads projects focused on reducing waste, scrap, and reworkConducts time studies and line balancing to optimize labor utilizationDevelops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructionsEvaluates equipment performance and recommend process enhancementsSupports setup reduction and changeover improvement initiativesQuality SupportLeads investigations into internal and external quality issuesPerforms root cause analysis for defects, rejects, and customer complaintsDevelops and implements corrective and preventive actionsMonitors and analyzes quality data and trendsPartners with Production Supervisors to improve in-process qualityAssists in developing quality standards and inspection criteriaSupports customer visits and quality audits as requiredLean ManufacturingLeads and facilitates lean manufacturing initiativesImplements continuous improvement tools such as:5SStandard WorkKaizen eventsVisual managementWaste reduction* Trains supervisors and employees in lean principles* Track sand reports continuous improvement project resultsOperational PerformanceAssists in evaluating new equipment and technologyDevelops justification and ROI analysis for capital projectsSupports equipment installation and startup activitiesWorks with Maintenance on equipment reliability improvementsDevelops process specifications for new products or equipmentCreates layouts and workflow improvementsCross-Functional CollaborationWorks closely with Production Manager, Supervisors, Maintenance, Purchasing, Quality, and ShippingProvides technical guidance to production teamsParticipates in daily and/or weekly production meetingsSupports training initiatives for operators and supervisorsCommunicates project status and results to plant leadershipScope of Authority* Provides technical direction and recommendations to Production Supervisors and hourly employees* Leads projects and improvement initiatives across shifts and departmentsKey Accountability AreasScrap and reject reductionMachine efficiency improvementsCost savings from process improvementsReduction in customer complaintsSuccessful implementation of lean initiativesOn-time completion of improvement projectsMeasurable productivity gainsEducation* Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field) preferred* Equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing experience may be consideredExperience3 - 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment preferredExperience with process improvement and problem solvingFamiliarity with lean manufacturing principlesExperience in quality investigations and root cause analysisSkills and AbilitiesStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to analyze data and develop practical solutionsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to work effectively in a union manufacturing environmentProject management and organizational skillsProficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing systemsAbility to work collaboratively with all levels of the organization