Process Development Engineer

Schott Ag; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits (medical, dental,,

Disability insurance (short & long)

Paid time off

Supplemental benefits available

Job summary

SCHOTT Advanced Optics is seeking a Process Engineering leader to drive development and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes. You will design scalable production concepts, specify equipment, and manage cross-functional teams from concept to ramp-up, leveraging Six Sigma and Lean methods to improve quality and efficiency.

You will collaborate with Product Development, R&D, Quality, and Operations to industrialize new products, implement inline metrology, and deliver robust process

Qualifications

• Bachelor's (pref Master's) in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing or related field.
• 3–5 years in RD, production tech, manufacturing, or technical roles with project leadership.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical projects from concept to implementation.
• Strong understanding of product and process development and manufacturing operations.
• Fluent English; German/Chinese/French a plus for global collaboration.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of new manufacturing processes and production concepts.
• Design and optimize processes with automation, efficiency, and scalability focus.
• Develop equipment specs and business cases for new tech and tools.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, resources, and deliverables.
• Conduct feasibility studies on new automation, AI, and advanced manufacturing methods.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Engineering, and Operations to industrialize new products.
• Develop inline metrology, process controls, and CpK/PpK to ensure quality.
• Plan and oversee production trials, installations, validations, and ramp-up.
• Transfer new processes to manufacturing with documentation and training materials.
• Lead Lean and CI initiatives to meet quality, cost, and delivery goals.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional coordination

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree (prefer Master's)

Tools

Six Sigma

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

Please feel free to contact us

You can expect interesting tasks and challenging projects, as well as motivated and friendly teams in fields that influence our future.

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

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Job Segment: Six Sigma Black Belt, Process Engineer, Six Sigma, Manufacturing Engineer, Lean Six Sigma, Management, Engineering