Special Process Engineer

Job Summary:

The Special Process Engineer is responsible for developing, validating, and optimizing manufacturing special processes such as FPI, MPI, heat treating, welding, coating, and plating.

This role ensures compliance with stringent quality standards (e.g., NADCAP, ISO, AS9100) while driving process efficiency, reliability, and safety. The position plays a critical role in troubleshooting process issues, improving yield, and supporting regulatory and audit requirements.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop, validate, and control special manufacturing processes to meet quality and industry standards.

• Create and maintain process documentation including specifications, SOPs, and quality records.

• Investigate non-conformances and perform root cause analysis; implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

• Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC) and data analysis to improve process capability, yield, and cost efficiency.

• Conduct risk assessments (PFMEA) and implement mitigation strategies.

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations (EPA, OSHA) and aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP).

• Support internal and external audits, including NADCAP and customer audits.

• Design, evaluate, and implement tooling and equipment; support maintenance and upgrades.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams.

• Other duties may be assigned.

Required Competencies:

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Materials, Industrial Engineering or related discipline required.

Experience:

• 5–8 years of experience in aerospace or regulated manufacturing environments

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of special manufacturing processes (e.g., NDT, heat treat, welding, plating).

• Experience with SPC, data analysis, and process improvement methodologies.

• Familiarity with industry standards such as NADCAP, AS9100, ISO.

• Ability to develop and interpret technical process documentation and specifications.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Leadership Skills / Management Skills / Personal Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and decision-making capabilities.

• Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and compliance.

• Proactive mindset with continuous improvement focus.

ITAR Compliance Requirement:

This position requires access to export-controlled information subject to the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). In order to comply with ITAR requirements, applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15. A U.S. Person includes U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the United States.

Travel Specificity

Potential travel between Grand Prairie, TX, Mexicali, Mexico, and other locations up to 10–20%.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position and occasionally move about the office and laboratory. Constantly operates and use a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copier/printer and laboratory machinery. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information. The ability to observe, identify and assess details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds across office for various needs.

Work Environment:

The work environment is split between office & laboratory work, with most work being performed in the office. Noise level in the office is typically quiet while the noise level in the lab can occasionally require hearing protection.

Experience in relevant Business sector:

- Experience within aerospace industry a plus but not required.