Plant Management - Process Engineering Manager

Mitchell Plastics is an award-winning and growing Company. Our key strength is that we offer our world-wide Automotive Customers a single source alternative for all of their interior automotive plastic part needs.

As an Employer, we offer an exciting opportunity for you to be part of our growing, "Best- In- Class" Team, in the automotive industry today. We believe that our people are what makes us great and strive to offer our employees opportunities for advancement.

Position Summary

The Process Engineering Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing and process engineering, including financial performance, quality systems, maintenance coordination, human resources support, and process optimization. This role ensures compliance with the Quality Management System and supports operational objectives as directed by the General Manager.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership

• Oversee manufacturing and process engineering activities to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are achieved.

• Ensure appropriate controls, procedures, and resources are in place in accordance with the Quality Management System.

• Report manufacturing performance and key issues in weekly management meetings.

2. Financial Management

• Reduce labor content and improve manufacturing efficiency through optimized assembly methods and equipment improvements.

• Develop and present capital expenditure justifications for new equipment and process improvements.

• Support cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and performance standards.

3. Quality Management

• Drive continuous improvement using industry-standard tools such as SPC, FMEA, DOE, control plans, and capability analysis.

• Develop and maintain Key Product Characteristics (KPCs) and Key Control Characteristics (KCCs) for all products and processes.

• Initiate and monitor corrective actions for process nonconformances and capability issues.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to prevent unintended use of nonconforming product; ensure proper identification, documentation, segregation, and disposition.

• Develop clear work instructions for sub-assemblies, finished goods, and rework processes.

• Respond promptly to internal audit Non-Conformity Reports.

• Ensure Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions meet customer requirements.

4. Maintenance & Equipment Oversight

• Establish standards for purchased manufacturing equipment, including hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, machine controls, and operator ergonomics.

• Ensure new equipment and tooling meet or exceed customer and Project Engineering standards.

5. Human Resources & Training

• Ensure assembly personnel are trained on new parts, processes, and job-specific requirements.

• Support development of standardized training materials and documentation.

6. Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement

• Improve product quality through development and implementation of error-proofing fixtures and defect prevention systems.

• Ensure fit, function, and performance meet all customer and regulatory requirements using approved control plans.

• Achieve and maintain process capability for new and existing production processes.

• Maintain control, storage, and tracking of customer-supplied product.

• Ensure packaging design meets customer specifications and protects product integrity.

7. Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned by the General Manager or Director of Operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred) or equivalent experience.

• Minimum 5 years of supervisory or management experience in the automotive industry.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and project management tools.

• Thorough understanding of automotive supplier expectations and customer-specific requirements.

• Working knowledge of Quality and Environmental Management Systems.

• Experience with APQP, PPAP, control plans, and customer submission requirements.

• Familiarity with dimensional verification equipment and test fixtures.

• Proficiency in quality tools such as SPC, 8D problem solving, DOE, DVP&R, and FMEA.

• Knowledge of injection molding processes, related manufacturing operations, and materials.

• Understanding of the relationship between KCCs and KPCs.

• Familiarity with documentation systems, forms, tags, and labeling requirements.