Process Development Engineer

SCHOTT AG; Duryea (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Disability benefits

Paid time off

Supplemental benefits

Job summary

SCHOTT AG is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Process Engineer to lead development and implementation of advanced production processes at our site in Duryea, PA. You will optimize automation, improve quality, and drive scalable manufacturing capabilities across cross-functional teams.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing or R&D environments. Master’s preferred, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills and English fluency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing, or related field required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in research, development, production technology, or manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading technical projects from concept through implementation with cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of product/process development, manufacturing operations, and technology commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and production concepts.
• Design and optimize production processes focusing on automation, efficiency, and scalability.
• Develop equipment specifications and business cases for new production equipment.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables for process initiatives.
• Conduct feasibility studies and evaluate emerging technologies and automation solutions.
• Collaborate with Product Development, R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations to industrialize new products.

Skills

Process development

Lean manufacturing

Automation

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Materials/Physics/ Chemistry/ Manufacturing

Master's preferred

Tools

Metrology equipment

Statistical software

CpK/PpK analysis

Job description

SCHOTT Advanced Optics is a valuable partner for developing products and customized solutions for applications in optics, astronomy, opto-electronics, augmented reality, life sciences, and research. With a portfolio of over 120 glasses, we master the value chain, from development to finishing and metrology.

Your Contribution

• Lead the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes, technologies, and production concepts to improve performance, quality, and operational capability
• Design and optimize production processes with a focus on automation, efficiency, scalability, and long-term manufacturing sustainability
• Develop equipment specifications, technical requirements, and business cases for new production equipment and process technologies
• Manage project schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful execution of process development initiatives
• Conduct feasibility studies and evaluate emerging technologies, industry trends, automation solutions, AI applications, and advanced manufacturing methods
• Collaborate with Product Development, R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams to industrialize new products and manufacturing processes
• Develop and implement in-line measurement systems, metrology solutions, and process controls to ensure product quality and process capability
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee production trials, equipment installations, process validations, and production ramp-up activities
• Ensure successful transfer of new processes to manufacturing through documentation, work instructions, master data, training materials, and demonstrated process capability (CpK, PpK, CgK)
• Lead process development projects while applying Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement principles, and established project management methodologies to achieve quality, cost, and delivery objectives
• Perform other duties as assigned

Your Profile

• Bachelor's degree [preferrably Master's degree] in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing, or a related scientific or technical discipline required
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in research, development, production technology, manufacturing, product management, technical applications, or technical sales environments
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects from concept through implementation, including cross-functional coordination and execution
• Strong understanding of product development, process development, manufacturing operations, and technology commercialization
• Experience working closely with customers, R&D, engineering, production, and commercial teams to develop and implement technical solutions
• Proven ability to evaluate complex technical challenges and translate business and customer requirements into practical manufacturing solutions
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with an ability to balance technical and business considerations
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and stakeholder management skills; fluent English communication required
• Additional language proficiency in German, Chinese, or French is preferred to support global collaboration and customer engagement
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred, with demonstrated experience applying continuous improvement and operational excellence methodologies
• Basic understanding of business, financial, and economic principles, including project costs, return on investment, and business case development
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent healthcare benefits including medical, dental and vision
• Short and long term disability
• Paid time off
• Other supplemental benefits available upon election

At SCHOTT, it's your personality that counts - not your gender, your identity, or origin.