What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Engineer position at KS Large Bore Pistons LLC?
Job Summary:
The Process Engineer drives operational excellence and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization. This role partners with production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain to implement best-in-class processes, eliminate waste, and elevate product quality.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Identify process inefficiencies and quality gaps – develop structured improvement plans with measurable outcomes
- Influence stakeholders at all levels – operators, supervisors, and department managers to embrace and sustain change
- Champion and foster a culture of continuous improvement through, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen events, and value stream mapping
- Collaborate with quality, maintenance, supply chain, and tooling/engineering teams to align process changes with organizational goals and customer specifications
- Lead multiple concurrent projects from concept through implementation, managing scope, schedule, budget, and risk using formal project management methodologies (PMP, DMAIC, or equivalent)
- Develop project plans, milestone trackers, and stakeholder communications – escalate risks proactively
- Work with cross-functional teams on CapEx projects related to new equipment, tooling, and facility improvements
- Interact with contractors and vendors to facilitate obtaining proposals and quotes, utilize support, arrange and procure services and materials
- Design and deliver process trainings for operators, technicians, and department personnel on new or updated procedures, equipment and manufacturing standards
- Collaborate with department teams to develop clear, visual work instructions and job aids that support on-the-floor learning and enable consistent execution of standard processes across all shifts
- Mentor cross-functional team members on process engineering tools, problem-solving methodologies, and continuous improvement techniques
Required Skills/Abilities
- Process engineering expertise – metal machining or automotive components experience preferred
- Proficiency in Lean and Six Sigma Tools (Green Belt minimum; Black Belt preferred) – DMAIC, 5S, SMED, TPM, value stream mapping
- Proven ability to act as a change agent – building alignment, navigating resistance, and sustaining operational change over time
- Skilled at influencing without direct authority – earning trust and motivating colleagues across varying roles and experience levels
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis
- Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, particularly SAP
- Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects
- Experience developing/managing projects to include project scope, schedule, budget, etc.
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering required
Physical Requirements
- Work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, moderate to loud noise, and exposure to cutting fluids, metal chips/dust, and industrial odors; PPE required and provided
- Ability to stand and work on a manufacturing plant floor for extended period
- Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 35 pounds
- Ability to stoop, kneel, or crouch when inspecting equipment, tooling or workstations at floor level
Monday - Friday, typically 6am-3pm but flexible depending on needs
Salary : $65,000 - $85,000