Process Engineer

Hengst Filtration | North America; Camden (SC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Hengst Filtration | North America seeks a Process Engineer to design, integrate, and improve manufacturing processes at the Camden plant. You will apply engineering expertise to develop optimal process strategies, resolve issues in real time, and support safe, high‑quality production.

This role also involves creating detailed process documentation, PFMEA, control plans, and training operators to ensure adherence to procedures and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent.
• 3 years in manufacturing engineering.
• Experience in a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment.
• VDA training or familiarity with VDA standards.
• IATF 16949 training or experience working within an IATF‑certified environment.
• Knowledge of automotive core tools: APQP, PPAP, SPC, MSA.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and implement manufacturing processes and methods in the plant.
• Use process simulation software and analysis to optimize production times, staffing, and cost.
• Provide real-time problem solving with management and engineering teams.
• Develop and deliver hands-on training for Operators and Kitters.
• Create and maintain PFMEA and Control Plans documentation.
• Improve productivity by designing, implementing, and testing new procedures and analyzing workflow and space requirements.
• Track cycle times, identify deviations, and implement improvements for stable production flow.
• Conduct risk assessments to assure quality and safety compliance.

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Organizational skills

Structured problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

CAD/AutoCAD

PFMEA/Control Plans (IQS)

Process data analysis software

Project management software (CDB)

Job description

The Process Engineer is responsible for designing, integrating, and improving manufacturing processes at the plant to support efficient, safe, and high-quality production. This role applies manufacturing engineering expertise to develop optimal process strategies, resolve operational issues in real time, and identify opportunities to improve productivity, workflow, and resource utilization. By collaborating with management, engineering, and production teams, the position helps ensure reliable output, cost effectiveness, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Functional Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and implements manufacturing processes and methods in the plant utilizing broad manufacturing knowledge across product design, manufacturing processes, and quality standards
• Utilizes process simulation software and production analysis to determine optimal strategies regarding, production times, staffing, and cost
• Supports department performance through real-time problem solving and coordinates with Management, engineering, and other staff to ensure efficient production processes
• Develop and deliver hands on training for Operators and Kitters to ensure consistent adherence to approved manufacturing steps, material-handling procedures, quality requirements, and safety standards

Operational & Process Responsibilities

• Provides detailed process instructions and documents process status, changes and updates though reports
• Improves productivity by designing, implementing, and testing new procedures, while analyzing workflow, staffing utilization, and space requirements for maximum efficiency
• Track actual cycle times against defined targets, identify deviations, and implement improvements to maintain stable, efficient production flow
• Conducts risk assessments to assure quality and safety compliance
• Support manufacturing processes through machining, assembly, automation, and testing
• Create and maintain accurate process documentation, including PFMEAs Control Plans, to identify process risks, define preventive controls, and ensure quality throughout production

Core Competencies

• Ability to work independently
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational skills and ability to delegate tasks appropriately

Technical Skills

• Experience working with CAD and AutoCAD, PFEMA/Control Plans (IQS), Process Data/Results related Programs (Data base) and Project management Programs (CDB)

Qualifications

Required

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent area
• Experience: 3 years in manufacturing engineering
• Experience in a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment
• VDA training or familiarity with VDA standards
• IATF 16949 training or experience working within an IATF‑certified manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of automotive core tools, including APQP, PPAP, SPC, and MSA

Preferred

• Experience with structured problem-solving techniques & tools experience
• Certifications: Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Application experience with lean tools like Value Stream Mapping, Kanban system design and implementation, Total Predictive Maintenance
• APQP experience
• Robot programming experience

Success Metrics

How performance in this role will be evaluated.

• Continues improvement
• Overall equipment effectiveness over 85%
• Process documentation
• PFMEA control plans

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

This role operates primarily in a manufacturing and production environment with some office‑based work. Requirements include:

• Exposure to manufacturing equipment and production areas
• Ability to stand or walk on the production floor for extended periods
• Ability to visually inspect materials, components, and processes
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees across manufacturing and office environments
• Ability to work hands on in equipment when necessary for troubleshooting; process support, change management, etc.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety footwear when required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Travel Requirements

• No travel is expected for this role

Disclaimer

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected for this position and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may change at any time to meet business needs.

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.