Process Engineer

Fanatics Collectibles•Sunnyvale, TX

10d

About The Position

The Process Engineer serves as the technical bridge between manufacturing operations and automated equipment throughout the equipment lifecycle, from concept and vendor selection through design, build, installation, commissioning, and steady-state production. The role represents process and operator requirements in equipment specifications, supports deployment, and helps ensure equipment meets safety, quality, throughput, and reliability objectives. It also develops and refines operating procedures, work instructions, and process parameters, and analyzes existing processes to identify improvements and support capital project justifications. The engineer collaborates with equipment vendors and internal engineering, quality, maintenance, EHS, and operations teams to define requirements, evaluate designs, and deploy equipment. The role participates in acceptance testing, installation, qualification, training, troubleshooting, and performance monitoring, while maintaining relevant process and quality documentation. It also supports continuous improvement and sustaining activities for automated equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Electrical, or a related Engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
3–7+ years of process or manufacturing engineering experience, with direct involvement in automated equipment specification, procurement, or deployment.
Working knowledge of automation fundamentals, including PLC/HMI logic, robotics, vision systems, sensors, conveyance, and basic controls concepts.
Familiarity with machine safety standards such as ANSI B11, OSHA, NFPA 79, or regional equivalents, and with risk assessment methods.
Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar for reviewing layouts and fixture/tooling designs.
Experience with process capability and quality tools, including PFMEA, control plans, SPC, Gage R&R, and root-cause analysis.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Excel.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent equipment projects and vendor relationships.
Ability to translate operator and process needs into clear technical specifications for equipment vendors.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including building data-driven justifications for capital investment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills across engineering, operations, and leadership audiences.
Hands-on, floor-based approach and comfort working on the shop floor with operators, technicians, and vendors.

Nice To Haves

Experience writing or reviewing URS/FDS documents and participating in FAT/SAT.
Experience with project management tools such as MS Project or Smartsheet.
Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma exposure; Green Belt or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with vendors and internal stakeholders during the design and specification of new automated equipment.
Develop and review User Requirement Specifications (URS), Functional Design Specifications (FDS), and technical requirements for process, quality, ergonomic, and safety needs.
Evaluate vendor proposals and machine designs, including mechanical systems, controls, PLC/HMI logic, fixturing, tooling, and material handling.
Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and layout and ergonomic evaluations before equipment build.
Identify and document process, tooling, and facility requirements, including utilities, footprint, fixturing, and material flow.
Build technical and financial justifications for capital projects by quantifying current process limitations and projected automation improvements.
Represent process engineering on cross-functional project teams from kickoff through handover to production.
Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to verify equipment against specifications.
Support equipment installation, rigging, utility coordination, and startup with maintenance and facilities teams.
Drive applicable equipment qualification activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ, capability studies, and Gage R&R.
Track open issues, punch lists, and vendor commitments through resolution, including root-cause closure of performance gaps.
Coordinate training for operators, technicians, and maintenance staff on equipment operation and troubleshooting.
Study existing processes, including process flow, cycle times, failure modes, and constraints, to inform automation project scope.
Develop, document, and maintain SOPs, work instructions, control plans, and process parameter sheets.
Modify or optimize processes and equipment settings to improve safety, quality, cycle time, uptime, and cost.
Lead or support root-cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment- or process-related quality and downtime issues.
Apply Lean/Six Sigma and continuous improvement methods to identify waste and support future automation investment.
Maintain process documentation, control plans, and PFMEAs in alignment with applicable quality system requirements.
Provide post-launch engineering support, including troubleshooting, minor design modifications, and monitoring OEE, downtime, and scrap trends.
Collaborate with maintenance and controls engineering on preventive maintenance plans, spare parts strategies, and obsolescence management.
Work with EHS to ensure machine guarding, lockout/tagout, and safety systems meet applicable regulatory and company standards.
Communicate project status, risks, and equipment performance to engineering leadership and plant stakeholders.