Process Engineer 1

Denso • Maryville, TN

23h

About The Position

The Process Engineer plays a key role in turning ideas into working manufacturing processes. The role spans early process concepts and new line launches through improvements to high-volume production, with hands-on opportunities to solve manufacturing problems, develop ideas, and affect quality, productivity, and cost. Working closely with Production, Design Engineering, and cross-functional teams, the engineer applies creativity, technical knowledge, and structured problem-solving to design, implement, and continuously improve factory-floor manufacturing processes.

The role includes new product planning and introduction, production capacity and cycle-time studies, line layouts, and processing cost studies. It also involves specifying, installing, and training teams on new equipment; planning equipment budgets; obtaining quotations; procurement and project management; and evaluating or implementing automation of manual manufacturing processes. The engineer leads or supports production-line continuous improvement, process improvement, machine optimization, automation feasibility, root-cause analysis, and countermeasure development. The position also creates and maintains process documentation in support of IATF.

The position requires willingness to work on the factory floor, travel domestically and internationally up to approximately 10%, and support periodic overtime during key milestones such as new line installations. Candidates residing 50 or more miles from the work location are eligible for relocation assistance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or a related discipline), or equivalent practical experience.
• Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial education or background.
• Hands-on technical or manufacturing engineering experience demonstrated through production support, process development, equipment, automation, or related engineering work.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Familiarity with 3D and 2D CAD, such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar tools.
• Ability to read and understand product drawings.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including investigating issues, developing countermeasures, and learning from results.
• Ability to plan work, manage schedules, and meet project deadlines.
• Willingness to work on the factory floor and engage directly with manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to approximately 10%.
• Willingness to support periodic overtime during key milestones such as new line installations.
• Commitment to safety and quality as top priorities.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience demonstrating the ability to solve problems, learn, and adapt.
• Deep expertise in a specific manufacturing area or broad exposure across multiple processes and systems.
• Practical experience with manufacturing technologies used to improve safety, quality, productivity, or cost, including automated or robotic assembly, screw tightening, soldering, gel or sealant application, or automated machine vision inspection.
• Familiarity with basic manufacturing concepts such as PFMEA, SPC, process documentation, or standard work.
• Exposure to manufacturing data, analytics, equipment connectivity, and process visibility.

Responsibilities

• Plan and support new product introduction, including trial preparation and documentation.
• Conduct production capacity studies, line layout development, cycle-time studies, and processing cost studies.
• Develop specifications for new equipment and support installation and training.
• Plan equipment budgets, obtain quotations, support procurement, and manage projects.
• Automate manual manufacturing processes, including through vision-guided robotics and other automation.
• Lead and support production-line continuous improvement initiatives.
• Improve processes, optimize machines, and assess automation feasibility.
• Lead or support root-cause analysis and develop countermeasures for product and process issues.
• Create and maintain process documentation, including PFMEA, PCS, process flows, and policies, in support of IATF.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• 401(k) with 4% company match.
• Vacation/PTO and 13 paid holidays.
• Bonus program.
• FSA/HSA and dependent care programs.
• Company-provided life, disability, ADD, and business travel insurance.
• No-cost wellness and chronic condition management programs.
• Optional insurance programs, including legal, identity theft, and critical illness coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Career development and ongoing training.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee spotlight and recognition program.
• Volunteer opportunities.
• Onsite fitness center, varying by location.
• Cafeteria and food markets, varying by location.
• Onsite health clinic and pharmacy, varying by location.
• Relocation assistance for candidates residing 50 or more miles from the work location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level