Industrial Process Engineer

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Aluminum Corporation in Virginia is seeking an Industrial Process Engineer to analyze, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for better efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This role collaborates with production, maintenance, and quality teams to implement continuous improvement while meeting industry standards and regulatory requirements.

The candidate will lead kaizen events, build SOPs, perform time studies, and use data analytics to drive decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 2–5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience.
• Experience in aluminum extrusion and drawing is a plus.
• Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and related methods.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and process diagrams.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and ERP systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing processes to identify throughput and cost-improvement opportunities.
• Design and implement new process flows, layouts, and equipment configurations.
• Conduct time studies and root-cause analysis for capacity modelling.
• Develop SOPs and process-control plans with cross-functional teams.
• Lead Kaizen events and Six Sigma projects to drive continuous improvement.
• Train staff on updated processes and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with quality, environmental, and safety standards.
• Document improvements and maintain process records.

Skills

Data analytics

Problem solving

Strong communication

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Kaiser Aluminum Bellwood Virginia is seeking an Industrial Process Engineerto join our aluminum extrusion and drawing team and have responsibility for analyzing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes toimprove efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This role partners with cross-functional teams, includingproduction, maintenance, and quality to implement continuous improvement initiatives and ensure that all processesmeet industry standards and regulatory requirements.

We currently are not considering candidates on H1B, F-1, STEM OPT or OPT visas.

What you will work on:

• Analyze existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for improvement in throughput, efficiency, cost reduction.
• Design, develop, and implement new or modified process flows, layouts, and equipment configurations.
• Conduct time studies, root cause analysis, and process mapping to support capacity modelling and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to implement process control plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Leverage expertise to extract valuable insights from complex data sets, enabling data-driven decision-makingacross the organization.
• Monitor process performance and use data analytics to drive decisions and recommend corrective actions and support the integration of automation, new technologies, and capital equipment projects.
• Ensure all processes comply with internal quality standards, environmental regulations, and safety protocols.
• Lead or assist in kaizen events, Six Sigma projects, and other continuous improvement efforts.
• Train production staff on updated processes and equipment as needed.
• Document process improvements and maintain process engineering records.

Requirements

What you will bring to the role:

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Two to five (2-5) years of experience in a manufacturing or process engineering role (depending on level).

Experience in aluminum extrusion and aluminum reduction drawing an asset.

Proficiency in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).

Strong knowledge of industrial systems, manufacturing equipment, and production workflows.

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, process flow diagrams, and technical documentation.

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Microsoft Office, and ERP systems.
• Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (e.g., food, pharma, aerospace, automotive) is a plus.

About Kaiser Aluminum:Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing a diverse and inclusive culture. We are strongly committed to expanding inclusion, equity, and diversity - how we hire, develop, and inspire our diverse team members that reflects and relates to the increasingly multicultural community.