Manufacturing Process EngineerOswego, IL (Onsite)$75,000 - $90,000 AnnuallyThe Process Engineer supports manufacturing operations to ensure daily productivity, quality, cost, and safety objectives are achieved. This position works closely with Operations to identify and resolve manufacturing issues, improve existing processes, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that reduce cost, improve quality, increase productivity, and enhance workplace safety. The Process Engineer also supports the introduction of new products, equipment, and manufacturing processes, including equipment installation, qualification, start-up, process development, and optimization.
Essential Functions:- Partner with Operations to identify and resolve manufacturing issues that impact productivity, quality, cost, safety, or the successful completion of manufacturing orders.
- Develop and implement continuous improvement projects focused on increasing productivity, reducing costs, improving quality, enhancing safety, and optimizing manufacturing processes.
- Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other structured problem-solving methodologies to achieve measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, and inventory.
- Develop and maintain systems for prioritizing, tracking, and reporting continuous improvement projects. Conduct regular reviews with Operations leadership to evaluate project progress, address barriers, and identify new improvement opportunities.
- Collaborate with Product Development, Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to evaluate and approve new materials, suppliers, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
- Support new product introductions by determining manufacturing requirements, including capital equipment needs, workflow, process parameters, tooling, and production methods.
- Support the installation, qualification, and start-up of new equipment and manufacturing work cells to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production.
- Participate in the Product Quality Planning (PQP) process and cross-functional continuous improvement teams. Review and approve production processes, control plans, FMEAs, and other applicable manufacturing documentation.
- Collect and analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, determine root causes, evaluate improvement opportunities, and make data-driven recommendations.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
Skills and Competencies:- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and leadership teams.
- Demonstrated ability to apply structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis techniques, including fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys, 8D, Pareto analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and similar methodologies.
- Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, cellular manufacturing, time and motion studies, process optimization, and manufacturing ergonomics..
- Strong analytical skills with experience collecting, interpreting, and using manufacturing data to drive decisions and improvements.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel; experience with PivotTables and data analysis tools preferred.
- Working knowledge of basic hydraulic principles, including force, area, and pressure.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while working effectively in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
Education and Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Minimum of five years of manufacturing, process, or related engineering experience.
- Training and/or demonstrated experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies required.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent practical experience preferred; Black Belt certification is a plus.
- Design of Experiments (DOE) training or equivalent practical experience preferred.
- Experience supporting manufacturing process improvements, equipment implementation, and new product introductions preferred.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:- This position works in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular presence on the production floor.
- Ability to stand, sit, reach, stoop, bend, and perform other physical activities necessary to observe and support manufacturing processes.
- Ability to climb stairs and ladders as needed to access equipment and production areas.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
- Visual acuity, with or without correction, sufficient to read drawings, specifications, instructions, and other technical documentation and to closely inspect equipment, processes, and manufactured parts.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical equipment, dust, noise, heat, vibration, and varying temperatures.
- Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn while working in designated production areas.
