What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Engineer position at Amsted Rail?
This role is designed for a processing engineer with several years of industrial experience in a manufacturing environment who wants to build deep process knowledge while contributing to meaningful operational improvements.
The successful candidate will spend significant time on the foundry floor learning the business through hands-on observation, mentorship, and direct engagement with operators, supervisors, and plant leadership. Working alongside an experienced mentor, this individual will develop a thorough understanding of foundry processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and support initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. The position will report to the Director, Process Development and will be located at one of our following sites in Columbus, OH, Keokuk, IA or Kansas City, KS.
Accountabilities:
Process Learning & Development
- Shadow an experienced operations leader to learn foundry processes and operational standards.
- Spend substantial time in the foundry observing operations and building relationships with hourly and salaried employees.
- Develop a strong working understanding of molding, melting, finishing, maintenance, and other foundry processes.
- Document process knowledge, standard work, operating procedures, and best practices.
- Support process audits and help maintain process discipline.
Continuous Improvement
- Assist with continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, and throughput.
- Collect and analyze operational data to identify trends, losses, and improvement opportunities.
- Participate in root cause analysis activities and corrective action implementation.
- Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives such as visual management, 5S, standard work, daily management systems, waste reduction, and structured problem solving.
- Help implement and sustain improvements by tracking results and following up with stakeholders.
Manufacturing Support
- Work closely with supervisors and operators to troubleshoot process issues.
- Monitor key process metrics and investigate abnormalities.
- Support equipment trials, process changes, and operational studies.
- Assist in developing reports, dashboards, and visual performance indicators.
- Supervisor shifts as part of development pathway
- Participate in safety investigations and improvement efforts.
Job Knowledge/Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- Two to seven years of experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, process engineering, operations, or a related role.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while learning from experienced mentors.
- Comfortable working in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and basic data analysis tools.
Amsted Rail is an Equal Opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To review our EEO Policies or to request assistance please go to www.amstedrail.com/careers/ and select EEO Compliance/Statements. To learn more about us, please visit us online at www.amstedrail.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities and any other basis covered by federal, state, or local law.