Manufacturing Process Engineer

Summary

We are seeking a skilled and driven Manufacturing Process Engineer who combines a strong foundation in chemical principles with hands-on expertise in manufacturing process optimization. In this role, you will design, implement, and refine production processes to guarantee peak efficiency, quality, and safety.

A central focus of this position involves managing and optimizing special processes, with a specific emphasis on our powder coating production lines. The ideal candidate will successfully bridge the gap between chemical engineering theory and industrial manufacturing execution.

Detailed Description

Performs tasks such as, but not limited to, the following:

Process Engineering & Optimization

• System Design & Scaling: Design, test, run, and upgrade manufacturing systems from initial conception through to full-scale production.

• Continuous Improvement: Establish best practices, operational routines, and innovative strategies to boost production rates and output quality.

• Failure Analysis: Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on process deviations and deploy corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Documentation Control: Author and maintain critical technical documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), and Control Plans.

Special Process Management (Powder Coating)

• Line Oversight: Direct the technical operations of the powder coating line, spanning surface pre-treatment (chemical washing/phosphating), coating application, and thermal curing ovens.

• Chemical Monitoring: Audit and maintain chemical bath concentrations, temperature controls, and pH levels during the pre-treatment stage.

• Defect Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve coating defects (such as pinholes, orange peel, or adhesion failures) utilizing mechanical and chemical analysis.

• Equipment Care: Manage process parameters, calibration schedules, and routine maintenance for electrostatic spray systems.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Regulatory Adherence: Ensure all chemical and manufacturing operations align strictly with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations.

• Waste Management: Oversee industrial waste streams generated by coating processes and chemical pre-treatments.

• Quality Collaboration: Partner with the Quality Assurance team to conduct audits, ensuring final products satisfy industry standards and client specifications.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

Education & Experience

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related technical discipline.

• Experience: 3+ years of experience working as a Process, Manufacturing, or Chemical Engineer in a production environment.

• Preferred Background: Demonstrated experience with industrial powder coating or closely related finishing techniques (such as electroplating, liquid painting, or anodizing) is highly preferred.

Technical Competencies

• Chemical Knowledge: Deep understanding of surface chemistry, chemical pre-treatment methods, and material adhesion properties.

• Methodologies: Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles, statistical process control (SPC), and Six Sigma methodologies.

• Technical Literacy: Ability to accurately interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).

• Compliance: Strong working knowledge of EHS standards governing hazardous waste management and safe chemical handling.

Soft Skills

• Analytical Mindset: Exceptional problem-solving capabilities driven by data.

• Collaboration: Strong communication skills to partner effectively across cross-functional teams (including Production, Quality, and Maintenance).

• Adaptability: Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.