Lead Process Engineer - Molding

Advanced Powder Products, Inc.; Philipsburg (Centre County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanced Powder Products, Inc. seeks a Lead Process Engineer to oversee process development, optimization, and project execution across manufacturing operations. You will lead engineers and technicians, mentor the team, and drive new product introductions while ensuring quality and efficiency.

The ideal candidate has a B.S. in engineering, 5+ years in manufacturing, and 2+ years in leadership. You will interpret blueprints, use Minitab and MS Office, and design tooling with solid modeling

Qualifications

• B.S. in engineering or technical discipline.
• 5+ years manufacturing experience.
• 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory role preferred.
• Read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Proficient with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Minitab.
• Experience with polymer compounding, injection molding, sintering, or CNC machining.
• Able to design tooling, fixtures, and parts using solid modeling software.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of process engineers and techs, providing technical guidance and career development support.
• Conduct periodic performance appraisals and provide formal feedback to team members.
• Participate in hiring and training team members.
• Develop, configure, and optimize manufacturing processes from concept to production (NPI).
• Drive scale-up of new products from prototype to full-scale manufacturing.
• Analyze process data and performance metrics to identify opportunities to improve output and quality.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for process deviations or production issues.
• Assist in ramp-up of new equipment (IQ, OQ, PQ) and support preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Quality, Maintenance, Operations).
• Develop and maintain process documentation: SOPs, process maps, work instructions.
• Implement tools or automation to enhance process capability and safety.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct process validations and capability studies.
• Participate in Lean/Six Sigma continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide training to molding technicians and production staff.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Process optimization

Data analysis

Communication

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Project management

Blueprint reading

Mentoring

Education

B.S. in Engineering or technical discipline

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Minitab

Solid modeling software

Job description

General Summary:The Lead Process Engineer is responsible for overseeing process development, optimization, and project execution across manufacturing operations while leading a team of process engineers and techs. This role includes mentoring team members and responsibility for managing formal performance feedback. The Lead Process Engineer and their team will support new product introductions, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and drive efficiency and quality improvements across the facility. All tasks will be performed while supporting the policies, goals, and objectives of the company.Education and/or Experience:B.S. in engineering or other technical discipline5+ years’ experience in manufacturing,2 years in a leadership or supervisory role preferredOther Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawingsProficient with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and MinitabExperience with polymer compounding, injection molding, sintering, or CNC machiningAble to design tooling, fixtures, and part using solid modeling softwareAbove average attention to detailA strong commitment to on time task completionAbility to work in fast paced manufacturing environmentAbility to present technical data concisely in a timely mannerWell-organized, safety-conscious, and accountable for actions and performanceSound judgment, problem analysis, and decision-making skills that follow established processes, procedures, and policiesStrong leadership, coaching, and team development skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentEssential Duties and Responsibilities:Lead, mentor, and develop a team of process engineers and techs, providing technical guidance and career development supportConduct periodic performance appraisals and provide formal performance feedback to team membersParticipate in hiring and training team membersDevelop, configure, and optimize manufacturing processes from concept to production (NPI)Drive scale-up of new products from prototype to full-scale manufacturingAnalyze process data and performance metrics to identify opportunities to improve output, reduce waste, and enhance product qualityLead and support root cause analysis and corrective actions for process deviations or production issues (MRB)Assist in ramp-up of new equipment (IQ, OQ, PQ) and support preventive maintenanceCollaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, Quality, Maintenance, and OperationsDevelop and maintain process documentation: SOPs, process maps, and work instructionsSelect and implement tools, equipment, or automation to enhance process capabilityEnsure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirementsConduct process validations and capability studiesParticipate in continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing or Six SigmaComplete individual or team projects as assignedProvide training and mentorship to molding technicians and production staffFollow the standards of ISO13485 and ISO 9001 International StandardsOther duties as assigned