Process & Methods Engineer

Hitachi, Ltd.; Henegouwen; Hybrid; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Hitachi Energy is seeking a Process & Methods Engineer to drive manufacturing excellence across our operations. You will optimize maintenance and process performance, collaborate across functions, and implement cost-effective improvements that boost productivity and quality.

The role emphasizes Lean, TPM, RCA, and data analytics to reduce downtime and improve MTBF/MTTR while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. A hands-on, results-driven mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a technical discipline relevant to manufacturing.
• Minimum 3 years in manufacturing, production, or industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance methodologies, reliability, and production systems.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Continuous Improvement, RCA, 5 Why and PDCA.
• Analytical and troubleshooting skills with data-driven problem solving.
• Hands-on shop floor experience and cross-functional collaboration.
• Good stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Experience with CMMS and SAP S/4HANA.
• Knowledge of Excel, Power BI, automation systems and PLCs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Lead equipment failure investigations and root cause analyses.
• Analyze and optimize manufacturing processes with cycle-time studies.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and process docs.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, TPM, Kaizen, 5S, SMED, VSM.
• Identify and eliminate losses, inefficiencies, and cost drivers.
• Ensure safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and others.
• Coach operators and technicians; provide training and troubleshooting support.
• Participate in installation, commissioning and performance monitoring; leverage CMMS/ERP and data analytics.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Root Cause Analysis

5 Why

PDCA

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional collaboration

Training and coaching

Troubleshooting

Education

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Industrial Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Excel

Power BI

PLC programming / PLCs

CMMS

Job description

The Opportunity

As a Process & Methods Engineer, you will play a key role in driving operational excellence across our manufacturing operations. You will be responsible for optimizing processes, improving equipment reliability, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.

Working at the intersection of maintenance engineering, process optimization, and manufacturing excellence, you will collaborate closely with production, quality, supply chain, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve performance and ensure sustainable operational results. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative high-voltage technologies that support the global energy transition.

At Hitachi Energy, our purpose is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We bring power to our homes, schools, hospitals and factories.

Join us and work with fantastic people, while learning and developing yourself on projects that have a real impact on our communities and society.

Bring your passion, bring your energy and be part of a global team that appreciates a simple truth: Diversity + Collaboration = Great Innovation.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Develop and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to improve equipment reliability, availability, and overall operational performance.
• Lead equipment failure investigations and root cause analyses, implementing sustainable corrective actions to reduce downtime and improve maintenance KPIs, including MTBF and MTTR.
• Analyze and optimize manufacturing processes through cycle-time studies, bottleneck analysis, and process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process documentation to ensure stable and standardized operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Kaizen, 5S, SMED, Value Stream Mapping, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Identify and eliminate process losses, equipment inefficiencies, waste, and cost drivers while supporting production cost reduction and productivity improvement targets.
• Ensure manufacturing and maintenance activities comply with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements while supporting risk assessments, PFMEA activities, and error-proofing initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Technical Center, and other stakeholders to support operational performance and business objectives.
• Support operators and maintenance technicians through technical coaching, skills development, training programs, and troubleshooting expertise.
• Participate in equipment installation, commissioning, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement activities while leveraging CMMS, ERP, and data analytics tools to drive decision-making.

Your Background

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or industrial environment, ideally combining process improvement and maintenance or reliability engineering responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance methodologies, manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and industrial production systems.
• Proven experience applying Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Continuous Improvement, and structured problem-solving methodologies such as RCA, 5 Why, and PDCA.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to identify technical issues and implement practical, data-driven solutions.
• Experience working in a hands-on shop floor environment and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Good stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to train, influence, and support operators, technicians, and business partners.
• Experience working with CMMS platforms, ERP systems such as SAP S/4HANA, and manufacturing performance reporting tools.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Power BI, automation systems, PLCs, and related industrial technologies is considered an advantage.
• A proactive, structured, and results-oriented mindset with a strong focus on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and safety.

More About Us

A holistic range of competitive benefit programs to support your financial, physical, and mental wellbeing and personal development. We want you to truly thrive with us – in work and out.