Plating Process Engineer

SUMMARY

The Process Engineer supports, monitors, troubleshoots, and improves manufacturing processes and products, with a primary focus on plating and associated processes. This role is also responsible for supporting process and new product development by validating processes prior to production release and assisting with training manufacturing employees on new products and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide technical support and oversight to production to meet quality, cost, and on-time delivery goals.
• Resolve production issues using root cause analysis and establishing corrective actions.
• Utilize lean manufacturing tools to improve quality and reduce waste (Standard work, 5S, Flow, Kanban systems etc.).
• Ensure Standard Work for Manufacturing and supporting processes are in place to give consistent direction to production and minimize opportunities for safety, quality or down-time incidents.
• Oversee New Product Introductions to validate new manufacturing processes.
• Perform engineering analysis, DOEs, trials to improve and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Participate in and lead capital equipment planning, procurement, design, installation, and qualification activities, including DQ, IQ, OQ, and PQ.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities, including Kaizen and Green Belt projects, related to production processes.
• Participate in sustaining engineering activities, including process and router updates.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, EHS and Operations to ensure safety and environmental measures related to area are compliant and effective.
• Support new product introductions to validate new manufacturing processes.
• Develop, maintain, and update work instructions and other related documentation.
• Ability and willingness to work extended hours when necessary to meet customer needs.
• Other duties as required in support of the department and the company.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

This role does not include direct supervisory responsibility for other employees; however, it provides opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or similar discipline.
• 12 years of prior related experience or prior co-op or internship experience a plus.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Must be able to comprehend and apply basic mathematical principles.

JOB SKILLS

• Ability to identify and analyze data, problem-solve, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Develop alternative solutions to problems and support effective corrective actions.
• Apply process control methods, data collection, and basic statistical analysis, including SPC, capability studies, and trend analysis.
• Demonstrate familiarity with plating line equipment, chemical control practices, and surface finishing processes.
• Explain complex operations and methods clearly and concisely; technical writing experience preferred.
• Participate in and advise cross-functional project teams.
• Formal problem-solving training, such as RCA, PDCA, 8D, DMAIC, or similar methods, preferred.
• Effectively use Microsoft Office products, including Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint, and navigate ERP systems.
• Independently plan and execute trials, lead complex troubleshooting, and support process optimization and qualification activities.
• Cooperate with others and treat all individuals with respect.
• Accept responsibility for own actions and willingly accept feedback from others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

As part of their job duties, the employee must be able to sit, stand, and walk throughout the day while frequently using their hands to handle objects and communicate verbally. Additionally, they may need to reach, stretch, push, pull, crouch, stoop, and occasionally lift objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds. This role requires specific vision abilities, including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. According to ADA regulations, reasonable accommodation will be provided to ensure that individuals with disabilities can perform the job's essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an air-conditioned work environment where employees have desks or cubicles and work in a fixed location. The physical environment is usually comfortable, well-lit, and equipped with the necessary facilities and hardware. The company culture is a culture of teamwork, communication, continuous improvement, business casual, strategic, and goal-oriented. The working conditions are stable, predictable, and secure.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• ASTM F24122005, ANSI Z411999, or ANSI Z411991 rated safety toe shoes in specific areas.
• Clear ANSI Z87.1 safety-rated glasses in specific areas.

EXPORT COMPLIANCE DISCLAIMER

This position includes access or potential access to ITAR and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) technical data. Therefore, candidates must qualify as US Persons, defined as US Citizens or Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders).

TRAVEL

Up to 5% travel may be required for this position.