Process Engineer

Utility Solutions•Hickory, NC

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Utility Solutions, a designer and manufacturer of hot-line tools and products for the electrical power industry, is seeking a Process Engineer to join their team in Hickory, NC. The Process Engineer will be responsible for leading the design, implementation, and continuous optimization of manufacturing systems. This role acts as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME), bridging engineering strategy with floor-level execution to ensure production meets safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. The position requires a hands-on, proactive engineering leader who spends significant time on the production floor troubleshooting issues and driving long-term capital projects and strategic efficiency initiatives. Collaboration with CNC operations and internal manufacturing teams is key to supporting the supply chain and ensuring scalable, repeatable production processes.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering
Strong safety orientation. Perform all tasks safely and responsibly
Expertise in CAD/SolidWorks for equipment, tooling, and layout design
Experience with 3D modeling and 3D printing
Demonstrated ability to lead process improvement and capital projects
Proven problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to work effectively on the production floor and with cross-functional teams
Willing to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and background check
Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on equipment experience

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt is a plus
Electronics and controls troubleshooting experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement innovative manufacturing methods to improve production flow, cycle times, throughput, and capacity
Conduct time studies and capacity analyses to support data-driven decisions
Lead process improvement initiatives, including tooling and fixture design
Provide hands-on equipment support and troubleshooting
Update and maintain SOPs to reflect best practices and process changes
Lead 5S and workplace organization initiatives
Improve changeover processes and reduce non-value-added activities
Support product quality control, quality assurance, and internal audits
Implement poka-yoke and lean manufacturing principles
Serve as a technical leader and Subject Matter Expert for manufacturing processes
Provide coaching, oversight, and development for other engineers
Collaborate cross-functionally with production and engineering teams
Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, including true root cause analysis and 5 Whys with Preventive Actions (PA), Corrective Actions (CA), and Opportunities for Improvement (OFI)
Champion Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, such as Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, and waste reduction projects
Drive improvements in yield, scrap reduction, and overall equipment effectiveness
Support the industrialization of new products from prototype and R&D stages into full-scale manufacturing
Ensure processes are scalable, repeatable, and production-ready
Partner with CNC and internal manufacturing teams to ensure part availability and manufacturability