Job Summary: The Process Engineer serves as a key technical link among Design Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality, developing and improving production processes that consistently meet customer and Spectrum Control requirements. This role provides hands-on manufacturing support, establishes robust process controls, leads data-driven problem solving, and helps transition new or revised products into reliable production. The Process Engineer also supports customer and supplier issue resolution while promoting product quality, employee safety, and continuous improvement in a high-reliability electronics environment.
Essential Job Functions- Develop, document, validate, and continuously improve manufacturing and inspection processes for RF and other high-reliability electronic assemblies.
- Partner with Design Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations to evaluate production methods, tooling, equipment, materials, and workflows for safety, quality, repeatability, capacity, and cost.
- Provide responsive production-floor support by clarifying process requirements, interpreting drawings, specifications, work instructions, travelers, and test plans, and resolving process-related constraints.
- Establish critical process parameters, acceptance criteria, control plans, and monitoring methods; use Statistical Process Control (SPC), capability analysis, and other analytical tools to identify trends and verify process stability.
- Lead or support root cause and corrective action activities for production lot failures, nonconformances, customer returns, yield loss, scrap, and rework; implement and verify sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
- Support new product introduction and product transfers through Design for Manufacturability and Design for Test reviews, process readiness assessments, pilot builds, qualification activities, and transition to production.
- Evaluate and qualify new or changed materials, suppliers, tooling, and equipment using defined validation plans, documented results, and applicable change-control requirements.
- Create and maintain controlled manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, travelers, process specifications, schematics, inspection requirements, and control plans.
- Develop and deliver training for operators and technicians on new or revised processes, equipment, workmanship requirements, and safe operating practices.
- Analyze manufacturing performance and lead improvement initiatives that increase first-pass yield, reduce variation, scrap, rework, and cycle time, and improve overall process capability.
- Support internal and external audits and help maintain compliance with AS9100, applicable military specifications, customer requirements, and established quality-system procedures.
- Serve as a technical resource in customer and supplier discussions related to manufacturing processes, product quality, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain current knowledge of soldering processes, applicable workmanship standards, manufacturing technologies, and industry best practices.
- Ensure that manufacturing methods, materials, and equipment support employee safety, product integrity, and environmental and regulatory requirements.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or a related engineering discipline; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
- Three to five years of process or manufacturing engineering experience. Experience supporting electronics, RF or microwave products, aerospace and defense manufacturing, or another high-reliability environment is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with process development, process validation, SPC, failure analysis, and structured root cause and corrective action methods.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing quality systems and standards, including AS9100, applicable military specifications, and customer-specific requirements.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, bills of materials, process documentation, and applicable industry codes or workmanship standards.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using statistical or analytical software such as Minitab.
- Strong mathematical and analytical skills, including practical application of probability, statistics, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Knowledge of Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles; formal training or certification is preferred.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical requirements and work effectively across functions and organizational levels.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to contractual requirements.
Skills and Competencies- Hands-on, data-driven problem solving with sound technical judgment and attention to detail.
- Ability to organize priorities, maintain accurate documentation, and follow issues through verified closure.
- Ability to lead cross-functional process-improvement and root-cause investigations through influence and collaboration.
- Continuous-improvement mindset with a practical focus on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer commitments.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and responding effectively to changing production needs.
Work EnvironmentThis is an on-site position at Spectrum Control's Fairview, Pennsylvania manufacturing facility. Work is performed in both office and production-floor settings and requires regular interaction with manufacturing equipment, processes, operators, technicians, engineers, and quality personnel. The employee must follow all site safety, security, environmental, and personal protective equipment requirements.
