Process Engineer

Pyrotek•Aurora, OH

About The Position

The Process Engineer optimizes manufacturing operations, improves workplace safety and ergonomics, and leads continuous improvement initiatives. Working hands-on with production teams, front-line leaders, and plant management, the role identifies opportunities to eliminate waste, improve workflows, and implement solutions that enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and business growth. The work includes process optimization, shop floor layout improvements, equipment enhancements, and development of manufacturing methods. The position leads manufacturing improvement projects and collaborates across the facility. It also supports engineering and technical initiatives such as CAD-based design and layout work, Design for Manufacturability, process and material qualification, capital equipment evaluation, automation opportunities, and supplier quality activities. The position works primarily in an office with regular exposure to manufacturing operations and may require domestic and international travel up to 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
At least 3 years of experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills.
Ability to lead projects, manage priorities, and drive improvement initiatives to completion.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Ability to work effectively with production operators, front-line managers, and leadership.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments and teams.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10%.
Valid driver's license and U.S. passport, or the ability to obtain one.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies; Green Belt certification is a plus.
Knowledge of production practices and manufacturing processes.
Experience with CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
Familiarity with shop floor layout software, MRP systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and database tools.
Experience with machining operations.
Experience working with synthetic graphite or similar manufacturing materials.

Responsibilities

Identify and implement manufacturing process improvements to reduce costs, increase capacity, and support business growth.
Evaluate production workflows, conduct time studies, and identify waste using Lean manufacturing principles.
Analyze manufacturing bottlenecks and resolve production and quality challenges with Quality and Production leadership.
Evaluate shop floor layouts and recommend workflow and operational efficiency improvements.
Design and develop fixtures, equipment, and other solutions to improve ergonomics, safety, and production performance.
Lead and support continuous improvement projects, including 5S, sustainability initiatives, value stream mapping, and Kaizen events.
Maintain a pipeline of improvement opportunities and collaborate with operators and production teams to implement solutions.
Develop and improve standard operating procedures and work instructions.
Research and evaluate technologies and manufacturing methods to improve efficiency, quality, and cost.
Drive projects cross-functionally from concept through implementation and measure results.
Use CAD software for product design, manufacturing layouts, and 2D drawings.
Apply Design for Manufacturability principles to optimize product quality, efficiency, and cost.
Support development and qualification of critical materials and manufacturing processes.
Evaluate capital equipment and automation opportunities, including ROI and make-versus-buy analysis.
Support supplier quality initiatives, including supplier audits, evaluations, and performance scorecards.