Process Engineering Manager

Job Summary: As the leader of the Process Engineering team, the Manager, Process Engineering is responsible for standardizing and optimizing the manufacturing process, including ensuring that engineered systems are properly established and maintained for effective and efficient execution of processes and continuous improvement initiatives. This position reports to the VP, R&D.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage the Process Engineering Team, developing the skills of the team, and supporting and coordinating activities.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing to understand, standardize, and optimize the manufacturing process.
• Develop the Process Engineering Team’s expertise in manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Champion Continuous Improvement initiatives targeted to, for example, reduce waste, improve product quality, and reduce manufacturing cycle time. Responsibilities include identifying and prioritizing initiatives, leading projects, and coordinating resources to lead or support CI projects.
• Support root cause analysis efforts whether related to quality, throughput, or general equipment issues.
• Develop programs to support initiatives such as enhanced operator training, 5S, and improved process change management.
• Develop methods to capture and display metrics to measure performance and proactively identify deviations from the standard.
• Develop and implement structured solutions to improve product quality, throughput, and customer service.
• Engage and lead Lean Manufacturing activities focused on Visual Factory, streamlined material flow, waste reduction, and inventory minimization.
• Install and maintain system infrastructure integrity, including BOMs, routers, and standards for labor and material.
• Generate SOPs for AS9100 compliance and other initiatives as required.
• Champion the use of standard work on the manufacturing floor and throughout the business.
• Champion the use of formal problem-solving tools on the manufacturing floor and throughout the business.
• Champion the use of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies and the DMAIC process to improve process capability, product quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Support projects to help develop new products and new processes.
• Ensure capable processes are in place for new products.
• Participate in the procurement of new equipment, whether designing next-generation equipment, sourcing COTS items, retrofit of new technology into existing equipment, or other.
• Perform other duties or special projects as required or assigned.

Qualification Requirements: Educational/Training Requirement:

• Minimum: BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent.
• Formal Lean Six Sigma training.
• Project Management training.

Experience:

• 7+ years in a technical support role, industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Experience directly managing a team.
• Expertise with FMEAs and Process Control.
• Experience working with ERP systems.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Preferred: Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Practical experience in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, engaging with people at all levels of an organization.
• Must exhibit passion for Lean Manufacturing and demonstrate mature understanding of key concepts and principles.
• Display technical leadership, working closely with supervisors and managers to directly support daily challenges.
• Demonstrate clear and effective communication and presentation skills.
• Individual should be a self-motivated, assertive thinker that can work effectively in a freely structured environment.