Process Improvement Engineer

The Friedkin Group•Westfield, TX

About The Position

The Process Engineer drives continuous improvement and the implementation of lean principles across Vehicle Processing Centers (VPCs) and/or Parts Distribution Centers (PDCs). The role develops, optimizes, documents, and sustains production processes while collaborating 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 develops process plans, facility layouts, vehicle and material flows, work instructions, job instructions, accessory installation times, and standard data charts. It supports accessory launches and process changes, trains VPC associates in continuous improvement tools and practices, and ensures consumer and customer data is handled in accordance with company privacy policies. The role requires domestic travel of 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 methods to analyze data, identify and validate root causes, and implement effective countermeasures.
Ability to independently manage engineering projects and coordinate cross-functional activities.
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.
Experience with structured problem-solving tools such as A3, 8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, PFMEA, or DMAIC.

Responsibilities

Implement and sustain continuous improvement principles and lean methodologies throughout VPCs and/or PDCs.
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.
Conduct process analyses 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.
Manage assigned engineering projects, coordinate cross-functional activities, communicate progress and risks, and ensure implementation and follow-through.
Support strategic improvement initiatives through engineering analysis, process design, capacity modeling, and implementation of practical solutions.
Coordinate new accessory launches and process changes for compatibility with high-volume vehicle processing and accessory installation.