Manufacturing Process Engineer (Quality Systems)

Walter Surface Technologies Inc.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Walter Surface Technologies is seeking a Process Engineer to enhance manufacturing performance by improving processes, reducing variation, and supporting Lean initiatives. You will also bolster quality systems, ISO 9001 readiness, and safety programs in collaboration with plant leadership.

The role emphasizes process engineering while continuing to support quality and H&S responsibilities across manufacturing, quality, engineering, and operations teams. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in process/manufacturing engineering or related role.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field as listed in the qualifications.
• Experience with ISO audits, quality systems, and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing and process optimization.
• Practical ERP data skills (items, BOMs, routings, process setup).
• Proficient in Excel and data reporting; able to communicate findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing and converting processes to identify opportunities for productivity, quality, and cost improvements.
• Lead or support Lean and continuous improvement initiatives and standard work.
• Maintain ERP master data (BOMs, routings, process parameters) and related documentation.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and process controls.
• Monitor KPIs, scrap trends, and process performance to drive corrective actions.
• Collaborate across manufacturing, engineering, quality, operations, and H&S teams.
• Support ISO audits, calibration, and quality system requirements.

Skills

Process engineering

Manufacturing engineering

Lean manufacturing

Quality systems

ISO 9001 audits

ERP data management

Excel

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality

Tools

ERP software

Job description

For over 70 years, WALTER Surface Technologies has been a world leader in surface treatment technologies providing high performance abrasives, tools, power tools, chemical solutions, safety solutions, and welding process solutions specifically designed for the metalworking industry. Our core philosophy is focused on helping customers work better and achieving greatness with the best technology, the best products, the best performance, the best safety, and the best durability - all designed to increase their productivity and profitability.

Hermes Abrasives, a subsidiary of WALTER Surface Technologies, is a global manufacturer of high-performance coated abrasive solutions serving industrial customers worldwide. Our success is built on operational excellence, product quality, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

About The Role

The Process Engineer supports manufacturing performance by improving processes, reducing variation, supporting Lean manufacturing initiatives, and strengthening operational efficiency. The role also supports quality systems and health and safety activities, including ISO 9001 audit readiness, quality performance tracking, scrap reporting, and safety training coordination.

Following the ISO system update, this role is expected to be more oriented toward process engineering while still supporting key quality system and H&S responsibilities in collaboration with manufacturing, quality, engineering, operations, and plant leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Process Engineering Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing and converting processes to identify opportunities to improve productivity, consistency, quality, cost, and operational efficiency.
• Lead or support Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives, including process reviews, waste reduction, standard work, and operational efficiency projects.
• Actively participate in item setup and maintenance in the ERP system, including BOMs, routings, process parameters, and related manufacturing master data.
• Develop, update, and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and process controls.
• Review manufacturing KPIs, production data, process performance, and operational constraints to recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Support process improvement projects related to equipment, technology, workflow, layout, tooling, materials, and production methods.
• Use problem-solving tools such as root cause analysis, 5 Why, Fishbone diagrams, FMEA, SPC, Pareto analysis, and similar methods to evaluate process issues.
• Work with manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, quality, and operations teams to implement sustainable improvements.
• Assist with Lean events and improvement workshops in partnership with plant leadership and Lean champions.

Quality Responsibilities

• Support the administration, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 9001 requirements.
• Participate in internal, external, customer, and third-party ISO audits, including preparation, execution, follow-up, and closure of action items.
• Maintain and control quality documentation, procedures, forms, records, work instructions, and related quality files.
• Track audit findings, non-conformances, corrective actions, preventive actions, and root cause analysis follow-ups to ensure timely closure.
• Track and report scrap materials, quality losses, defects, rework, and related trends to support plant performance improvement.
• Host or support weekly meetings with plant leadership to review quality variances, scrap trends, KPIs, and corrective action status.
• Coordinate calibration requirements for internal and external equipment, including schedules, records, certificates, and follow-up actions.
• Prepare information, reports, and documentation for management reviews and quality performance updates.
• Support customer satisfaction, complaint analysis, and actions to reduce recurring internal and external quality issues.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

• Support company health, safety, and environmental policies while working in a manufacturing environment.
• Lead monthly safety training sessions and track employee sign-offs, attendance, and related training records.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure process improvement activities consider safety requirements, hazards, ergonomics, and environmental controls.
• Participate in safety observations, incident follow-ups, corrective actions, and communication of safety expectations as required.
• Wear required personal protective equipment and follow all site safety rules when working on the production floor.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, quality systems, or a related manufacturing role.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, or a related field.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment; experience in abrasives, converting, industrial products, or related environments is an asset.
• Experience with internal and external ISO audits, including audit preparation, execution, findings, corrective actions, and follow-up.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 standards, quality records, document control, corrective actions, calibration, and quality system requirements.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and process improvement tools.
• Practical knowledge of ERP manufacturing data such as items, BOMs, routings, and related process setup.
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills; ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, quality, operations, H&S, and administrative teams.
• Commitment to quality, safety, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
• Manufacturing environment with regular time spent on the production floor.
• May require the use of safety equipment or personal protective equipment.
• May involve exposure to noise, moving equipment, non-temperature-controlled areas, and limited exposure to chemicals or contaminants.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time based on business needs.