Associate Process Engineer

The Shyft Group•Carson, CA

2d•$75,000 - $82,000

About The Position

The Associate Process Engineer supports manufacturing processes, production readiness, documentation, and continuous improvement under the guidance of experienced engineers. This entry-level role begins with participation in team assignments and develops toward independent ownership and leadership of appropriate tasks and projects as proficiency grows. The role creates and updates manufacturing processes, work instructions, process flows, standard work, visual aids, inspection points, and setup instructions. It supports workforce training, engineering and process development, engineering changes, production issue resolution, new product introductions, and the maintenance and standardization of manufacturing records and standards. The Associate Process Engineer observes processes, collects data, identifies improvement opportunities, troubleshoots manufacturing issues, and participates in root-cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions. The position also supports process reviews, prototype builds, time studies, production feedback, dimensional checks, fit reviews, first-build evaluations, tooling and fixture validation, and body-to-chassis mounting-bracket design. Assigned bracket design work covers fit, alignment, clearances, materials, fasteners, structural requirements, and manufacturability, subject to engineering approval. The role reviews production records and documents for accuracy, completeness, safety, and compliance; maintains controlled records; communicates progress and risks; and prepares technical notes, summaries, and presentations. Other related duties and projects may be assigned based on demonstrated capability. The role is based in Carson, California, and is listed as a regular, salary-exempt employee position with an annual salary range of $75,000 to $82,000.

Requirements

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes, inspection methods, standard work, and production documentation.
Basic SolidWorks proficiency through coursework, internships, or projects.
Ability to read drawings, assemblies, bills of material, work instructions, and specifications.
Strong attention to detail, organization, communication, curiosity, and follow-through.
Foundational engineering and manufacturing knowledge.
Ability to create clear process documents and visual controls with guidance.
Basic knowledge of SolidWorks, tooling, fixtures, tolerances, and inspection.
Ability to follow engineering, document-control, and change-management standards.
Developing skills in problem-solving, data collection, and solution evaluation.
Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and collaborate across departments.

Nice To Haves

Internship, co-op, academic project, laboratory, or hands-on manufacturing experience.
Exposure to fabrication, assembly, dimensional inspection, PDM, or document-control systems.
Interest in learning controls and electromechanical components.
Awareness of 5S, process mapping, time studies, waste reduction, and corrective action.

Responsibilities

Create and update manufacturing processes, work instructions, process flows, standard work, visual aids, inspection points, and setup instructions.
Assist with workforce training on approved processes, work instructions, and changes, and lead training sessions as knowledge and confidence grow.
Participate in engineering design, documentation, process development, engineering changes, and continuous improvement; take ownership of assigned activities as proficiency grows.
Support Production by answering technical questions and resolving process, fit-up, equipment, product, and documentation issues; lead routine issue resolution as experience grows.
Support new product introductions by gathering process, tooling, work-center, and production requirements.
Maintain and standardize bills of material, routings, part numbers, revisions, manufacturing methods, and labor standards.
Observe processes, collect data, and identify workflow, cycle-time, quality, and improvement opportunities.
Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and support root-cause analysis of rework, scrap, and warranty concerns.
Participate in corrective and preventive actions, and lead assigned actions by documenting findings, coordinating implementation, tracking completion, and verifying effectiveness.
Support standardization, capacity, labor efficiency, cost reduction, and process changes.
Participate in process reviews, prototype builds, time studies, production feedback, dimensional checks, fit reviews, and first-build evaluations; lead assigned activities as capability develops.
Support tooling, fixtures, templates, and validation setups.
Assist with body-to-chassis mounting-bracket design, including fit, alignment, clearances, materials, fasteners, structural requirements, and manufacturability, subject to engineering approval.
Review records and production documents for accuracy, completeness, safety, and compliance.
Maintain controlled records and communicate progress, questions, risks, and open actions.
Prepare technical notes, summaries, and presentations.
Perform other related duties and support or lead projects as assigned, based on demonstrated capability.