Process Engineer

Actalent; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Ann Arbor, MI is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to advance lithium-ion battery manufacturing operations through continuous improvement of production processes. You will enhance efficiency, quality, uptime, and throughput in a highly automated environment.

Requires a BS in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, 5+ years in manufacturing, hands-on automation/PLCs, and experience with MES and data tools (Python/SQL/JMP/Minitab/Power BI/Tableau).

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or related field required.
• 5+ years of manufacturing/process engineering experience in a high-volume environment.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma (Green Belt minimum).
• Experience with automation, robotics, PLCs, MES systems or automated production equipment.
• Proven track record of improving metrics like OEE, yield, throughput, cycle time, and downtime.

Responsibilities

• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Improve KPIs including OEE, yield, cycle time, scrap, uptime, and throughput.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality and production issues.
• Support automated manufacturing systems, robotics, PLC-controlled equipment, and MES platforms.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation (PFMEAs, Control Plans, Work Instructions, OCAPs).
• Use manufacturing data and statistical tools to identify process improvements and increase performance.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma (Green Belt)

OEE improvement

Automation & PLCs

Root cause analysis

Battery manufacturing

Data analytics tools

Team collaboration

Education

BS in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Python

SQL

JMP

Minitab

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Job Title: Senior Process EngineerJob Description

We are seeking a Senior Process Engineer to support lithium-ion battery manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement across production processes. This individual will be responsible for improving manufacturing efficiency, quality, uptime, throughput, and overall process performance within a highly automated production environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Improve KPIs including OEE, yield, cycle time, scrap, uptime, and throughput.

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality and production issues.

• Support automated manufacturing systems, robotics, PLC-controlled equipment, and MES platforms.

• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation including PFMEAs, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and OCAPs.

• Utilize manufacturing data and statistical tools to identify process improvements and increase operational performance.

• Support new equipment, process implementation, and production scalability efforts.

Essential Skills

• BS in Mechanical, Industrial, or related Engineering discipline.

• 5+ years of manufacturing/process engineering experience.

• Experience in a high-volume automated manufacturing environment.

• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience (Green Belt minimum).

• Proven success improving manufacturing metrics such as OEE, yield, throughput, cycle time, quality, or downtime.

• Hands-on experience with automation, robotics, PLCs, MES systems, or automated production equipment.

• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.

• Battery cell assembly, formation, packaging, or testing experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Lithium-ion battery manufacturing experience.

• Six Sigma Black Belt.

• Experience with Python, SQL, JMP, Minitab, Power BI, or Tableau.

• Experience launching or improving automated manufacturing processes.

Work Environment

The work environment is a highly automated production setting where you will collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and engineering teams to support operational excellence. Technologies used include robotics, PLC-controlled equipment, and MES platforms.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Ann Arbor, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $135000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Copilot said: Benefits & Company Highlights Why Navitas / East Penn? Backed by East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world's largest privately held battery manufacturers with 10,500+ employees and a long history of stability and growth. Opportunity to work on advanced lithium-ion battery and energy storage technology supporting commercial and government applications. Family-owned company culture with a strong focus on employee retention and long-term career development. More than 38% of employees have 10+ years of service. Exposure to cutting-edge battery manufacturing, automation, and process improvement initiatives. Collaborative environment with direct interaction across Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and R&D teams. Benefits Competitive compensation package. Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage with low employee premiums. 401(k) with company match plus a 3% employer contribution. Paid holidays and PTO. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Fitness and wellness discounts. Internal growth and advancement opportunities.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ann Arbor,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.