Manufacturing Process Engineer – Lean Improvement

Wolverine Advanced Materials, LLC; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus and competitive benefits

Job summary

Wolverine Advanced Materials, LLC in Blacksburg, VA seeks a Process Engineer to drive manufacturing improvements for elastomer-coated metals used in gaskets and NVH solutions. You will develop and maintain process plans, routings, BOMs, and SMPs, and provide shop-floor support to ensure quality, safety, and cost targets.

Responsibilities include leading Lean Six Sigma projects, performing PFMEA/DOE analyses, validating processes, and training staff. Travel as needed; on-site only.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline (BSME, BSIE) with at least 2 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment providing direct process support.
• Experience using PFMEA and control plans.
• Knowledge of metal stamping and rubber coating manufacturing preferred.
• Training and experience in TPM, FMEA, SPC, DOE, VSM, 5S, and Lean Six Sigma is strongly preferred.
• Shainin Red X and Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.
• Proficient in PC-based software, including word processing, spreadsheets, project management, statistical analysis, and CAD/CAM tools.
• Values teamwork and communicates effectively; adaptable and able to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide process input to design engineering, including tooling, fixtures, validation, and ensuring key characteristics and tolerances are defined.
• Collaborate with product and process development teams to establish robust manufacturing processes, including PFMEA, validation/verification, documentation (DHR/DMR), and final product release.
• Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Six Sigma projects, Kaizen workshops, 5S, value stream mapping, and manufacturing optimization to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Develop, update, and maintain all manufacturing process documentation (e.g., process plans, routings, BOMs, SMPs, Work Instructions), ensuring compliance with engineering changes and quality system requirements.
• Apply advanced methodologies (DOE, FMEA, SPC, Cpk, Gage R&R) and structured problem-solving techniques to reduce variation, enhance process capability, and resolve production issues.
• Provide technical support and training to shop floor personnel, resolving production issues and driving improvements in manufacturing processes.
• Partner with suppliers and purchasing teams to interpret drawings, develop manufacturing documentation, resolve technical issues, and recommend equipment acquisitions to improve manufacturing capability.
• Identify and implement improvements in manufacturing methods to enhance product quality, schedule performance, and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements and quality standards by supporting audits, corrective/preventive actions, process validations, and capacity analyses.
• Travel as required to support business needs.
• Perform additional duties as needed, such as print checking, fixture design, and process validation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Project management

Initiative

Lean Six Sigma mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (BSME/BSIE)

Tools

CAD/CAM tools

PC-based software

Job description

Wolverine Advanced Materials, LLC in Blacksburg, VA seeks a Process Engineer to drive manufacturing improvements for elastomer-coated metals used in gaskets and NVH solutions. You will develop and maintain process plans, routings, BOMs, and SMPs, and provide shop-floor support to ensure quality, safety, and cost targets.

Responsibilities include leading Lean Six Sigma projects, performing PFMEA/DOE analyses, validating processes, and training staff. Travel as needed; on-site only.