Process Engineer

Kymera International • Durham, NC

24d • Onsite

About The Position

The Process Engineer optimizes, improves, and sustains manufacturing processes used to produce copper powders and related metal powder products. The role focuses on process stability, product quality, production efficiency, safety, cost reduction, and continuous improvement. Working with operations, maintenance, quality, EHS, and leadership teams, the Process Engineer develops and implements technical solutions to improve plant performance, increase throughput, and support business objectives.

The position provides technical support and process training to operations personnel, contributes to new product development and equipment commissioning, and may lead improvement and capital project teams. It has no direct supervisory responsibilities. The work is primarily in a manufacturing facility and may involve occasional travel for training, project support, vendor visits, or professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of manufacturing engineering or process engineering experience.
• Experience with continuous improvement, process optimization, and statistical analysis techniques.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing process control and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis tools, including 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, FMEA, and CAPA processes.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex process data.
• Ability to create and maintain technical documentation and engineering reports.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and process analysis software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Results-oriented approach focused on safety, quality, reliability, and operational excellence.
• Ability to walk throughout manufacturing and warehouse areas for extended periods; ascend and descend ladders, stairs, and elevated platforms; occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds; wear required personal protective equipment; and conduct inspections in elevated, confined, hot, dusty, or industrial environments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in powder metals, metallurgy, chemical processing, metals manufacturing, mining, materials processing, or similar industrial manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing projects and implementing process improvements.
• Knowledge of metallurgical principles, material properties, and powder manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize copper powder manufacturing processes, including raw material handling, melting, atomization, reduction, classification, blending, screening, packaging, and material movement.
• Monitor process performance using data collection, statistical analysis, and process capability studies.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, yield, quality, energy efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Lead root cause investigations into process deviations, product quality issues, equipment performance concerns, and customer complaints.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process flow diagrams.
• Support new product development and scale-up through process validation and production trials.
• Work with maintenance and operations teams to troubleshoot process-related equipment issues and improve reliability.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies throughout the facility.
• Conduct risk assessments and participate in Management of Change activities related to process modifications.
• Evaluate and recommend equipment upgrades, automation opportunities, and capital improvement projects.
• Assist with plant commissioning, startup, and process qualification for new equipment and production lines.
• Support environmental, health, and safety initiatives and ensure processes comply with regulatory and company requirements.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to achieve operational objectives and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and performance metrics for leadership review.
• Provide technical support and process training to operations personnel.
• May provide technical leadership, coaching, and project direction to operators, technicians, contractors, and cross-functional team members.
• May lead project teams for process improvement and capital projects.

What This Job Offers

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