Process Improvement Engineer

The Friedkin Group•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Process Engineer drives the implementation of continuous improvement and lean principles across Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs) and/or Parts Distribution Centers (PDCs). The role develops, optimizes, documents, and sustains production processes while working with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency, quality, and safety. It provides data-driven insights and recommendations to leadership, supports strategic decisions about process redesigns, equipment, and tooling, and monitors emerging technologies to help shape the site’s long-term vision and value stream roadmap. The position also supports new accessory launches and process changes, maintains process documentation and work instructions, and trains VPC associates in continuous improvement tools and practices. It requires responsible handling of consumer and customer data in accordance with company data-privacy policies. The role involves daily data analysis and communication, significant stationary work, frequent use of computers and office productivity devices, and regular movement around the office and corporate campus. Travel is domestic and up to 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or another engineering discipline from an accredited four-year college or university, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
4–6 years of relevant experience in Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, or operational improvement, including hands-on engineering analysis and implementation of process improvements.
Demonstrated experience implementing process improvements with measurable results in productivity, quality, safety, or cost.
Hands-on experience with time studies, work measurement, labor standards, standard work, process design, line balancing, and workflow or layout optimization.
Experience applying structured problem-solving methodologies to analyze data, identify and validate root causes, and implement effective countermeasures.
Experience with tools such as A3, 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, PFMEA, or DMAIC.
Ability to manage assigned engineering projects independently, coordinate cross-functional activities, communicate progress and risks, and ensure implementation and follow-through.
Valid in-state driver’s license.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Practical application of Lean methodologies, including Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S, waste elimination, and process standardization.
Experience leading small- to medium-sized improvement projects and demonstrated potential for broader engineering and cross-functional project leadership.
SAP Applications experience.

Responsibilities

Implement and sustain continuous improvement principles and lean methodologies throughout the VPC and/or PDC.
Develop, document, and control production processes, facility layouts, vehicle flow, and process standards.
Design and maintain job instructions, accessory installation times, and standard data charts.
Develop and implement strategic plans, process documentation, and work instructions aligned with production and quality objectives.
Coordinate with cross-functional departments to ensure new accessories and process changes are compatible with high-volume manufacturing requirements.
Analyze processes and present improvement opportunities, data insights, and recommendations to the Director of Operations and leadership team.
Communicate with line and staff members to monitor progress on key initiatives and promote engagement in process improvement.
Stay informed about emerging technologies and manufacturing trends to support innovation and long-term value stream development.
Train VPC associates in continuous improvement tools, concepts, and practices.
Handle consumer and customer data responsibly in compliance with company data-privacy policies.
Support strategic improvement initiatives through engineering analysis, process design, capacity modeling, and implementation of practical solutions.
Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and other stakeholders to improve operational efficiency, quality, and safety.
Coordinate new accessory launches and process changes to ensure compatibility with high-volume vehicle processing and accessory installation.