Manufacturing Process Engineer (Industrial Engineer) III

MSA - The Safety Company; Jacksonville (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MSA Safety in Jacksonville, NC is seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer III (Industrial Engineer) to design and optimize manufacturing processes, drive Lean improvements, and lead capital equipment projects. You will own master data management in ERP systems and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure safety, quality, and efficiency.

The role focuses on process design, implementation, validation, and DFM collaboration with R&D, with opportunity to lead TPM initiatives and sustain

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering; ABET accreditation preferred.
• 3 years of relevant engineering experience in manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize manufacturing processes, including line balancing, capacity planning, and production layouts.
• Lead process risk assessments (PFMEA) and ergonomics evaluations to address safety and quality risks.
• Justify CAPEX investments and select machinery; collaborate on capital project scoping and long‑term planning.
• Own end-to-end lifecycle of capital equipment projects from concept to installation and commissioning.
• Conduct time studies, MSA, and capability analyses to validate processes and drive KPIs (OEE, FPY, CPK).
• Develop SOPs, work instructions, and visual aids; train frontline leaders on new processes.
• Maintain master data in ERP systems (BOMs, routings, cost estimates) and ensure data integrity for planning and reporting.
• Partner with R&D to integrate DFM and work with safety and quality teams to meet standards.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Industrial Engineering

Process Improvement

Project Management

Cross-functional Collaboration

Data-driven Decision Making

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering

Tools

SAP

MES

Kanoa

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

DraftSight

Job description

Are you someone who is passionate, motivated, and driven to make a difference? If so, MSA Safety is the perfect fit for your career.

At MSA, SAFETY is who we are AND it is what we do. We are a purpose-driven company committed to deploying innovation and technology to deliver on our Mission to help protect people and assets all around the world. We continue to be relentless in our pursuit of solving our customers greatest problems so they can go home safe each and every day.

Are you in? Read on for more details about this particular role.

Responsibilities ***Preferred Candidate Identified***

Now Hiring for an Manufacturing Process Engineer III (Industrial Engineer) at our Jacksonville, NC manufacturing plant. In this role you will be counted on and responsible for developing and optimizing manufacturing processes that ensure safety, efficiency, and scalability. This role maintains master data accuracy for relevant manufacturing engineering processes, supports new product introductions, and validates processes to meet quality, cost, and delivery targets. By collaborating with cross-functional teams, the engineer drives continuous improvement initiatives, implements Lean principles, and leverages digital tools to enhance performance.

Process Design

• Design and optimize manufacturing processes, including but not limited to process sequence flow, line balancing, capacity planning, and production layouts, ensuring efficient, safe, and scalable operations.
• Lead and participate in process risk assessments, including PFMEA and ergonomics evaluations, to proactively address and mitigate safety, quality, and operational risks.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and finance teams to justify CAPEX investments and select appropriate machinery for the manufacturing process.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (operations, facilities, finance) to scope, justify, and implement capital projects. Participate in long term capital investment planning to align with business growth, operations strategy and capacity planning.
• Utilize simulation tools to validate process flows, resource requirements, and production efficiency.
• Support the overall plant layout design strategy to ensure efficient material flow, scalability and production.

Process Implementation

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and visual work aids to standardize processes and improve consistency.
• Prepare work cells and production areas for new product introductions or process changes, ensuring readiness and minimal disruption to production.
• Provide Train- the -trainer sessions to front line leaders on new processes, tools, and workflows.
• Partner with safety teams to ensures processes meets safety standards.
• Own the end-to-end lifecycle of capital equipment projects, from initial concept and design through procurement, installation, and commissioning. Including but not limited to TPM, business continuity for equipment, spare parts, and any service agreements or training needed to support the equipment.

Process Validation

• Conduct process validation studies including time studies, measurement system analysis and capability assessments.
• Attain key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE, FPY, and CPK to confirm process capability and identify areas for improvement.
• Partner with quality teams to ensure processes meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.

Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

• Owning manufacturing requirements for product design.
• Collaborate with R&D teams early in the development cycle to integrate DFM principles, ensuring products are cost-effective, scalable, and manufacturable.
• Provide feedback on design feasibility, tooling requirements, and process constraints to minimize downstream production issues.
• Partner with Advanced Manufacturing and OT to review design for automation opportunities.

Continuous Improvement / Lean Manufacturing

• Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean tools such as value stream mapping (VSM), kaizen, and standard work development.
• Collect and evaluate data to identify opportunities for process improvement. Use problem-solving methodologies and analysis (DoE, SPC, 5 Whys, A3, Fishbone) to identify the root cause implement the corrective actions/improvements.
• Identify and eliminate waste in processes while embedding sustainability and energy efficiency principles.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement across the production organization through training, coaching, and mentoring.
• Leverage shop-floor data from MES, ERP, and other digital tools to drive analytics-based decision-making and process optimization.
• Support and maintain shop floor digital tools.

Direct Production Support

• Provide troubleshooting support for complex engineering problems with equipment and processes. For ongoing daily troubleshooting provide training to relevant teams as and when needed.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external standards through regular process audits and monitoring.
• Maintain robust documentation and governance practices across operational processes.

Master Data Management

• Own and maintain master data in ERP systems to ensure all data accurately reflects actual manufacturing processes. Data could include bills of materials (BOMs) for KMATs, quantity of consumables, routings and product cost estimates.
• Validate and update BOMs and routings for new and existing products, coordinating with the R&D team to prevent discrepancies that could impact cost, lead time, or quality.
• Ensure ERP data integrity to support accurate production planning, inventory management, and financial reporting.
• Drive continuous improvement of master data standards through best practice sharing.

Qualifications

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong problem-solving mindset with experience in Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvementSolid interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence attitudes and behaviors.
• Knowledge of manufacturing technologies, including machines and process equipment.
• Cross-functional collaboration and effective communication skills, with the ability to lead change.
• Strong project management capabilities and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Continuous learning orientation and adaptability in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in the use of PC based CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Ability to read and interpret assembly diagrams and documents and explain to associates.
• Proven ability to simultaneously and independently manage multiple tasks, solve technical problems, lead projects, and work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to drive execution of projects including the ability to identify and act upon potential improvements.
• Excellent written, presentation and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking, problem solving and team-building skills.
• Up to 5% travel may be required between U.S. facilities.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited program.
• 3 years relevant experience.
• MS degree may be substituted for up to 2 years of relevant experience. PhD may be substituted for up to 4 years of equivalent experience.
• Experience working as an engineering co-op considered at a rate of 50% of total co-op time worked at MSA.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering.
• Previous intern or co-op experience, preferably in a manufacturing setting.
• EIT or FE completion preferred.
• Experience with simulation software and data analysis tools
• Exposure to manufacturing analytics and digital tools for process optimization.
• Familiarity with automation and robotics
• Experience in advanced manufacturing concepts, process innovation, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge in ERP (e.g., SAP) and MES (e.g., Kanoa) systems for data accuracy and production support, MS Project, AutoCAD, DraftSight.
• Knowledge of the MSA Operating System and Lean Manufacturing Techniques
• (Value Stream Mapping, One Piece Flow, Setup Reduction, Lean Management, Visual Controls, etc.).
• Six Sigma experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

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