Process Engineer

Summary

This onsite position is responsible for supporting strategic and capital projects within the West Branch Sinter Operation. The Process Engineer will analyze existing production processes and recommend improvements to methods, equipment, and operating procedures that reduce risk, cost, and waste; improve yield and productivity; and enhance the quality and consistency of tungsten carbide powder products. This role will also contribute to lean initiatives and continuous improvement activities across the operation.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated engineering professional who can work independently, solve technical problems, analyze production data, and communicate findings clearly to a range of audiences across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• In partnership with EHS and the Plant Management Team, participates in safety reviews and is a leader supporting a culture committed to an accident-free workplace.
• Work with operational resources to achieve business goals and lead strategic & Capex projects related to powder plant.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify process improvements and lean initiatives that improve consistency, quality, and efficiency in tungsten carbide powder manufacturing.
• Identify and implement process, equipment, materials and technology improvements to increase productivity, improve quality, and reduce cost.
• Develop, track, and communicate key process indicators to improve operational stability and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support the successful introduction of new products by ensuring appropriate process controls, documentation, and quality standards are in place.
• Apply structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methods, including Lean and Six Sigma principles, to develop and sustain robust processes.
• Responsible for driving improvement in material yields and reductions in scrap
• Provide technical support for the development and maintenance of process documentation.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues affecting manufacturing performance.
• Define, collect, and analyze process data to support business improvement initiatives.
• Ensure processes comply with applicable environmental, safety, and quality requirements, including government regulations, company standards, and site ISO requirements.
• Partner with Maintenance and vendors to support equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, TPM efforts, and improvement activities that help ensure product quality.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties of the role. The qualifications below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in materials, metallurgical, chemical, mechanical, manufacturing, industrial engineering, chemistry, or related technical field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant process/manufacturing experience will be considered.
• 3 years of experience in a manufacturing or process engineering environment preferred; additional experience may be required depending on the depth of technical expertise demonstrated.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred: sintering, thermal processing, powder metallurgy, chemistry, materials analysis, or related manufacturing processes.

Technical Skills/Physical Requirements

• Experience supporting or leading capital projects in a manufacturing environment is preferred. Formal project management training or certification is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with experience using structured methods such as 5-Why, A3, DOE, or similar tools.
• Experience applying Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies to improve process performance.
• Strong data analysis skills, including the ability to interpret process data and draw practical conclusions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across functions and support department and plant objectives.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively and build productive relationships across plant and corporate teams.
• Demonstrates resourcefulness, sound judgment, critical thinking, and business awareness in decision-making.

Travel:

• Travel is minimal and generally not required.