Process Engineer

Hunter Recruiting; Ellisville (MS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter Recruiting seeks a Process Engineer to support three wood products production lines. The role partners with Operations, R&D, and Quality to optimize processes, improve quality, and raise throughput. You will own line trials and lead process-improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities include safety-first process changes, driving lean initiatives, and applying SPC/DOE/FMEA methodologies. You will communicate findings and drive cost efficiencies across multi-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Wood Science, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a wood products manufacturing environment.
• Experience with compression molding and/or hydraulic presses.
• Experience planning and executing production line trials.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Proficiency with Excel and Minitab or similar data analysis tools.
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action processes.
• Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Familiarity with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and process optimization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize safety in daily activities and when implementing process changes.
• Champion quality improvement initiatives across production lines.
• Monitor and optimize critical customer physical and aesthetic product properties.
• Own the planning and execution of production line trials in collaboration with R&D.
• Monitor process KPIs and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and throughput.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions related to quality and process defects.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities.
• Analyze production data to identify process trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support process optimization through SPC, DOE, FMEA, and other engineering methodologies.
• Lead cross-functional projects involving Operations, Quality, R&D, and other internal teams.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support for manufacturing processes.
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and project results to all levels of the organization.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Wood Science, or related field

Tools

Minitab

DOE software

Job description

The Process Engineer will serve as a technical resource supporting three production lines. This role will work closely with Operations, Research & Development, and Quality teams to optimize manufacturing processes, improve product quality, and increase production efficiency. The Process Engineer will own production line trials, lead process improvement initiatives, and troubleshoot quality and manufacturing issues.

Process Engineer Responsibilities

• Prioritize safety in daily activities and when implementing process changes
• Champion quality improvement initiatives across production lines
• Monitor and optimize critical customer physical and aesthetic product properties
• Own the planning and execution of production line trials in collaboration with R&D
• Monitor process KPIs and identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and throughput
• Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions related to quality and process defects
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities
• Analyze production data to identify process trends and improvement opportunities
• Support process optimization through SPC, DOE, FMEA, and other engineering methodologies
• Lead cross-functional projects involving Operations, Quality, R&D, and other internal teams
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support for manufacturing processes
• Communicate findings, recommendations, and project results to all levels of the organization

Process Engineer Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Wood Science, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a wood products manufacturing environment (preferred)
• Experience with compression molding and/or hydraulic presses
• Experience planning and executing production line trials
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
• Proficiency with Excel and Minitab or similar data analysis tools
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action processes
• Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Familiarity with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and process optimization techniques