Process Engineer - Mechanical Processing

VAC Magnetics LLC•Sumter, SC

11d

About The Position

The Process Engineer – Mechanical Processing is responsible for the technical ownership, stability, capability, and continuous improvement of finishing processes within the manufacturing operation. The role serves as the subject matter expert for grinding, cutting, surface finishing, inspection technologies, cleaning, coating, marking, and packaging processes used to produce precision-engineered components and advanced manufactured products. Experience supporting powder metallurgy components or similar specialized manufacturing processes is preferred. The Process Engineer drives process development, equipment optimization, manufacturing excellence, root cause analysis, and implementation of new manufacturing technologies while ensuring safe, efficient, and repeatable production. The role works with Production, Quality, Equipment Engineering, Automation, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to support customer requirements, operational goals, and business growth. The position is located in Sumter, South Carolina, reports to the Engineering Manager, is exempt, and has no direct reports. Travel is approximately 10% as needed, domestically or internationally.

Requirements

A degree or accredited certification in a relevant technical or engineering discipline.
At least five years of manufacturing/process engineering or advanced manufacturing experience.
Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments.
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Required technical competency in precision grinding technologies, abrasive machining, cutting technologies, surface finishing processes, surface treatment methods, inspection systems, SPC, process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk), measurement system analysis (MSA), root cause analysis methodologies, and Lean Manufacturing principles.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills; ability to lead cross-functional improvement projects and communicate at all organizational levels.
Ability to work within global and cross-functional teams.
English language skills.
Ability to travel approximately 10% as needed, domestically or internationally.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting powder metallurgy components or similar specialized manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of powder metallurgy manufacturing processes, magnetic materials manufacturing, machine vision systems, industrial automation, ERP and MES, and statistical analysis software.
Specialized knowledge in one or more of: precision grinding of powder metallurgy components or similar engineered products; surface roughness control and finishing optimization; geometric dimensioning and tolerance control; grinding wheel selection, dressing, and process optimization; cutting and separation technologies in advanced manufacturing; surface preparation and coating readiness; vision-based quality control systems; yield improvement in finishing operations; and process validation and qualification methods.
German language skills are beneficial.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical owner for final manufacturing processes.
Establish, maintain, and improve manufacturing standards and process specifications; define critical process parameters and ensure compliance.
Review, approve, and implement process changes; monitor and improve capability, repeatability, and long-term process stability.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process documentation.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost; improve productivity, yield, and throughput; eliminate waste and reduce costs.
Use process monitoring tools to improve manufacturing performance and support Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives.
Lead development and implementation of new manufacturing technologies; plan, execute, and evaluate trials and process validations.
Support new product introductions and product transfers; participate in equipment specification, design reviews, commissioning, and startup.
Develop optimized manufacturing concepts for future growth and capacity expansion.
Lead root cause investigations involving process failures, scrap, customer complaints, and nonconforming products; develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Support PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, process capability studies, and validation activities; analyze production and quality data for trends and improvement opportunities.
Provide technical support during customer audits and quality investigations.
Provide technical support to production and maintenance teams; troubleshoot complex process and equipment issues.
Support equipment reliability and manufacturing uptime initiatives; develop and deliver technical training for operators, technicians, and supervisors.
Interface with equipment suppliers, tooling vendors, and external technical resources.
Ensure manufacturing activities comply with company safety policies and regulatory requirements; participate in risk assessments and machine safety reviews.
Promote safe work practices and support environmental, health, and safety initiatives.