Job Summary

We are seeking a Lead Process Engineer for a direct hire opportunity in Temecula, CA, supporting high-precision manufacturing for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. This role is ideal for an engineering professional with a strong background in materials science, metallurgy, manufacturing engineering, or chemical engineering who enjoys solving complex process challenges and improving production performance.

The Lead Process Engineer will develop, optimize, validate, and sustain manufacturing processes used in precision optical components, coatings, and assemblies. This is a highly collaborative environment with strong cross-functional teamwork across Manufacturing, Quality, Production, and Engineering. The role offers the opportunity to influence process strategy, improve yields, support advanced manufacturing technologies, and provide technical leadership in a stable, quality-focused operation.

This is a strong opportunity for someone who values supportive leadership, technical challenge, process ownership, and the ability to make a measurable impact on product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and operational reliability.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop, implement, validate, and continuously improve manufacturing processes for precision optical components, coatings, and assemblies.
- Analyze production data, process trends, and manufacturing metrics to identify opportunities for yield improvement, cost reduction, and throughput gains.
- Support vacuum coating, electroforming, plating, machining, finishing, and related operations through process optimization and troubleshooting.
- Lead root cause analysis for process deviations, nonconformances, and quality issues, including support for CAPA and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Create and maintain SOPs, work instructions, process flow diagrams, control plans, manufacturing specifications, and technical reports.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Production, Engineering, suppliers, and customers to resolve technical issues and ensure process consistency and product conformity.

Compensation and Benefits

- Salary range: $110,000 to $140,000 per year.
- Job type: Direct hire.
- Location: Temecula, CA.

Additional Skills

Required Qualifications and Skills

- Lead process development, validation, capability studies, and qualification activities for new and existing manufacturing processes.
- Drive process improvement projects focused on yield, quality, throughput, cost reduction, and manufacturing reliability.
- Support new product introduction activities to ensure designs are manufacturable, scalable, and cost-effective.
- Provide technical guidance and training to manufacturing personnel on process requirements, specifications, and best practices.

- Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
- 5 to 7 years of process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related engineering experience in a precision manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of metallurgy, materials science, surface treatments, and manufacturing process interactions.
- Experience with process development, process validation, yield improvement, root cause analysis, and corrective action activities.
- Knowledge of SPC, process capability analysis, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to analyze manufacturing data and make data-driven process improvement recommendations.
- Working knowledge of engineering drawings, GD&T, manufacturing specifications, and technical documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and CAD software such as SolidWorks or equivalent systems.
- Strong project management, organizational, problem-solving, and technical communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in manufacturing floor, laboratory, cleanroom, and office environments while following safety and PPE requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

- Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Engineering degree strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting optical manufacturing, aerospace, defense, vacuum coating, electroforming, plating, thin-film deposition, or related precision manufacturing processes preferred.
- Advanced coursework or hands-on experience in vacuum coating, thin-film deposition, electroforming, plating technologies, materials characterization, or precision manufacturing is highly desirable.
- CEF Certification is a plus.
- Experience evaluating and implementing new manufacturing technologies, equipment, materials, and process controls preferred.

AllSTEM Representative Contact Info

Account Executive:

Madelyn

Branch Phone:

(909) 244-1777

Location:

Houston, TX