Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer

SCHLUTER SYSTEMS L.P.•City of Plattsburgh, NY

About The Position

Schluter Systems is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer to serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for production processes, asset management, Lean concepts, and safety compliance. This role involves independently leading large-scale, high-impact projects, championing process and equipment capability studies, and establishing corrective action plans. The engineer will also conduct plant-level PFMEA and Risk Assessments, shape engineering standards, advise management on strategy, and provide technical and process mentorship across departments. Key responsibilities include driving innovation identification and integration, demonstrating thought leadership, and contributing to long-range strategy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent).
8–12 years of experience in a manufacturing or process engineering role.
Strong working knowledge of production systems, mechanical systems, process controls, and continuous improvement tools.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting issues using data and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Proficiency with CAD (e.g., SolidWorks), Microsoft Office, and familiarity with ERP systems.
Familiarity with machine safety standards and risk assessments.
Practical knowledge of electrical schematics, panel design, and BOM creation for automation projects.
Lean Six Sigma certification or formal training.
Comfortable collaborating with cross-functional teams on process improvements.
Experience in leading process improvement, production troubleshooting, and problem solving.
Solid understanding of PFMEA, control plans, and validation processes.
Prior engagement with packaging or assembly operations (manual or automated).
Experience collaborating with maintenance or automation teams on equipment performance or reliability issues.
Strong Communication and Interpersonal skills.
A “hands-on” self-starter with strong collaboration and organizational skills.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite (word, powerpoint, excel, visio).
Willingness to adapt and learn new skills to increase efficiency.

Responsibilities

Lead high-impact, cross-functional projects aimed at optimizing manufacturing efficiency, product flow, and process robustness.
Drive the development and implementation of advanced process improvements, incorporating lean, Six Sigma, and automation strategies.
Serve as the technical authority on existing processes, identifying systemic inefficiencies and formulating sustainable solutions.
Develop long-term process capability strategies aligned with capacity expansion, quality improvement, and business growth objectives.
Create and maintain comprehensive documentation packages including PFMEAs, control plans, and validation protocols.
Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned manufacturing processes and equipment.
Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex manufacturing issues using structured root cause analysis methodologies.
Develop and maintain robust process documentation including process flow diagrams, work instructions, and control plans.
Mentor junior engineers and technicians on best practices in technical problem-solving and process optimization.
Apply advanced engineering principles and tools (e.g., PFMEA, DOE, SPC, A3, 8D) to improve process reliability, efficiency, and safety.
Evaluate and recommend new technologies, materials and/or equipment to improve manufacturing performance, reliability and cost.
Support process validation, design verification, and qualification activities for equipment and new processes.
Contribute technical input to capital projects, including layout development, equipment selection, and implementation planning.
Lead high-impact, cross-functional, medium and large-scale projects aimed at process innovation, improvement strategies, and strategic planning efforts, such as throughput improvements, cost reduction or defect elimination, for engineering roadmap.
Cultivates a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, technical excellence, accountability and knowledge sharing across the Ops Engineering team.
Communicate targeted and strategic performance data to senior management to develop long-term goals.
Influence technical decision-making at the managerial level by providing expert recommendations and risk assessments.
Align project work with long-term business objectives by translating operational goals into executable engineering initiatives.
Balances short-term production needs with long-term strategic goals.
Mentors and coaches all levels of engineering talent, fostering technical growth and leadership readiness within the team.
Facilitate root cause analysis sessions, Kaizen events, and performance reviews across departments to drive sustainable improvements.
Shape the long-term technical roadmap for processes and tools, and align with team development opportunities.
Actively mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing guidance, feedback, and hands-on support to accelerate their growth.
Support the onboarding and development of new team members by sharing process knowledge, technical expertise, and company practices.
Provide technical development leadership by introducing innovation, setting standards, and identifying and providing technical learning opportunities.
Participate in technical training programs, certifications, and seminars to remain current on best practices, industry trends, and new technologies.
Engage in continuous learning through professional development plans that include advanced problem-solving, project leadership, or emerging technologies.
Collaborate with suppliers to improve material quality, reduce lead times, and optimize supply chain logistics.
Develop strategic partnerships with key suppliers to drive innovation, improve overall supplier performance, and enhance the resilience of the supply chain.
Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, supply chain, and quality assurance, to address manufacturing challenges and achieve business objectives.
Work cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Logistics to support day-to-day operations and long-term improvement initiatives.
Participate in multifunctional teams to investigate quality issues, equipment downtime, and process inefficiencies.
Coordinate with external vendors, integrators, and equipment suppliers for technical specifications, commissioning, and issue resolution.
Actively engage with CI, TPM, and Kaizen teams to drive structured problem-solving and continuous improvement culture.
Collaborate with EH&S, Quality and other internal organizations to address gaps/opportunities relative to federal, state & local regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, NYS-DEC) and internal policies and procedures.
Prioritize & champion compliance audits.
Drive counter-measures to completion and monitor results for effectiveness.
Own and regularly update PFMEAs, process control plans, and hazard assessments to reflect current operational risks.
Lead complex root cause investigations and CAPA implementation for significant quality or safety incidents.
Mentor junior engineers in understanding risk management principles, compliance obligations, and structured problem solving.