Process Engineering Manager

Radiac Abrasives•Oswego, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Process Engineering Manager supports manufacturing operations to ensure daily productivity, quality, cost, and safety objectives are achieved. The role partners with Operations to identify and resolve manufacturing issues, improve existing processes, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that reduce costs, improve quality, increase productivity, and enhance workplace safety. The position also supports the introduction of new products, equipment, and manufacturing processes, including equipment installation, qualification, start-up, process development, and optimization. It works cross-functionally with Product Development, Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations, and may supervise engineering, continuous improvement, or technical personnel as assigned. The role works in both office and manufacturing environments, with regular presence on the production floor. The listed compensation is $90,000–$100,000 annually. Radiac Abrasives describes itself as part of the global Tyrolit Group and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
At least five years of manufacturing, process, or related engineering experience.
Training and/or demonstrated experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and leadership teams.
Ability to apply structured problem-solving and root-cause analysis techniques, including fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys, 8D, Pareto analysis, and Design of Experiments (DOE) or similar methodologies.
Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, cellular manufacturing, time and motion studies, process optimization, and manufacturing ergonomics.
Strong analytical skills and experience collecting, interpreting, and using manufacturing data to drive decisions and improvements.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel.
Working knowledge of basic hydraulic principles, including force, area, and pressure.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
Ability to stand, sit, reach, stoop, bend, and perform other physical activities needed to observe and support manufacturing processes.
Ability to climb stairs and ladders as needed to access equipment and production areas.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
Visual acuity, with or without correction, sufficient to read technical documentation and inspect equipment, processes, and manufactured parts.
Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment, dust, noise, heat, vibration, and varying temperatures; required personal protective equipment must be worn in designated production areas.

Nice To Haves

Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent practical experience; Black Belt certification is a plus.
Design of Experiments (DOE) training or equivalent practical experience.
Experience supporting manufacturing process improvements, equipment implementation, and new product introductions.
Experience with Excel PivotTables and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

Partner with Operations to identify and resolve manufacturing issues affecting productivity, quality, cost, safety, or successful completion of manufacturing orders.
Supervise engineering, continuous improvement, or technical personnel as assigned.
Develop and implement continuous improvement projects to increase productivity, reduce costs, improve quality, enhance safety, and optimize manufacturing processes.
Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other structured problem-solving methodologies to achieve measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost, and inventory.
Develop and maintain systems for prioritizing, tracking, and reporting continuous improvement projects.
Conduct regular reviews with Operations leadership to evaluate project progress, address barriers, and identify improvement opportunities.
Collaborate with Product Development, Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to evaluate and approve new materials, suppliers, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
Support new product introductions by determining manufacturing requirements, including capital equipment needs, workflow, process parameters, tooling, and production methods.
Support the installation, qualification, and start-up of new equipment and manufacturing work cells to enable safe, reliable, and efficient production.
Participate in the Product Quality Planning (PQP) process and cross-functional continuous improvement teams.
Review and approve production processes, control plans, FMEAs, and other applicable manufacturing documentation.
Collect and analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, determine root causes, evaluate improvement opportunities, and make data-driven recommendations.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.