Ceramics Process Engineer - Lean, NPI & Optimization

Cat-i Glass; South Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Short Term Disability

Long Term Disability

PTO

Floating Holidays

401(K) Match

Company-paid Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Friends and Family Event

Holiday Party

Numerous Cat-i Glass Perks throughout

Job summary

Cat-i Glass in South Elgin, IL is seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer to design and optimize CNC machining, waterjet and laser cutting processes, and related finishing steps. The role focuses on reducing scrap, improving yield, and supporting NPI by creating robust process plans.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 3+ years of manufacturing experience, with strong analytical skills and familiarity with ERP/MES systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field (or equivalent manufacturing experience).
• Strong analytical and statistical problem-solving skills (root cause analysis, DOE, SPC).
• Experience with ERP/MES systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and document manufacturing routings and process parameters for CNC machining, waterjet and laser cutting, drilling, edge grinding and polishing, chemical strengthening, and thermal tempering.
• Analyze scrap, rework, and yield data to identify root causes of defects and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with Quality to define and maintain inspection gate criteria across departments.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) by developing process plans for new part geometries and substrates.
• Optimize cycle times and material utilization across cutting and lamination operations.
• Maintain and update process documentation within Epicor Kinetic (ERP) and the internal routing guide.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) on the shop floor.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and maintenance teams on capital equipment specification, installation, and qualification.
• Train operators on new or revised process procedures.
• Investigate and resolve process-related nonconformances and customer complaints.
• Support screen printing process development, including registration, ink cure, and adhesion requirements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Eng/Mater Sci/Industrial Eng

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Job description

Cat-i Glass in South Elgin, IL is seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer to design and optimize CNC machining, waterjet and laser cutting processes, and related finishing steps. The role focuses on reducing scrap, improving yield, and supporting NPI by creating robust process plans.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field and 3+ years of manufacturing experience, with strong analytical skills and familiarity with ERP/MES systems.