Process Engineer

Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company; Fort Smith (AR); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

HSM (Hickory Springs Manufacturing) seeks a Process Engineer to analyze and optimize manufacturing processes in Fort Smith, AR. You will apply Lean, Six Sigma, and time-study methods to improve productivity and reduce waste across multiple production lines.

The role requires 3–5 years of experience, CAD proficiency (AutoCAD/SolidWorks), and collaboration with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to implement changes and validate processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and process validation preferred.
• CAD experience with AutoCAD or SolidWorks; ERP and engineering change processes experience.
• ISO 9001/IATF 16949 knowledge desirable.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce waste, and lower costs.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and time study methodologies to improve process performance.
• Design and implement process improvements, equipment changes, and manufacturing layouts.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, process flow diagrams, and setup documentation.
• Support APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, process validation, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and Engineering teams to solve production challenges and improve operations.
• Support new product launches, manufacturing feasibility reviews, and engineering change implementation.
• Monitor KPIs including scrap, downtime, and rework while leading root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Lead Kaizen events, cost reduction projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical training and process guidance to production teams while supporting a culture of safety and quality.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Structured problem solving

Process optimization

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

ERP systems

Job description

Ft Smith Metal
Ft. Smith Metal
4925 State Line Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72904, USA

Ft Smith Metal
Ft. Smith Metal
4925 State Line Rd
Fort Smith, AR 72904, USA

Founded in 1944, HSM is athird generation, privately held company with a rich history of innovation and a commitment to our people. With 25 locations across the U.S. and corporate headquarters in Hickory, NC and Huntersville, NC, we specialize in manufacturing components for furniture, bedding, transportation, packaging, automotive, and healthcare industries. Our expertise also includes designing and building automated production machinery. HSM products from sofa springs to swimming pool noodles and bus seats, touch everyday life in countless ways.

At HSM, our success is built on our people. We foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and shared success. If you’re looking for a meaningful place to grow and make an impact, we want to hear from you!

What You Will Do

• Analyze and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce waste, and lower costs
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and time study methodologies to improve process performance
• Design and implement process improvements, equipment changes, and manufacturing layouts
• Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, process flow diagrams, and setup documentation
• Support APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, process validation, and manufacturing readiness activities
• Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and Engineering teams to solve production challenges and improve operations
• Support new product launches, manufacturing feasibility reviews, and engineering change implementation
• Monitor KPIs including scrap, downtime, and rework while leading root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Lead Kaizen events, cost reduction projects, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide technical training and process guidance to production teams while supporting a culture of safety and quality

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and manufacturing process validation preferred
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software
• Experience working with ERP systems, BOM management, and engineering change processes
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other quality management systems is highly desirable
• Ability to travel occasionally (up to 20%) for supplier visits, audits, or multi-site support

Why Join Us?

Health & Wellness : Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including an innovative global healthcare option for qualified participants.

Retire: 401(k) with company match, fully vested from day one.

Paid Time Off : Competitive PTO: 104 hours of Vacation + company paid holidays.

On-Site Medical Clinics : Free for you and covered dependents.

Teladoc : 24/7 access with no copay.

Professional Development : Tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and career growth opportunities.

Discounts : Enjoy discounts with HSM partners, including Dollywood Parks & Resort, Verizon Wireless, and more.

EEOC

At HSM, we believe that our diversity creates a productive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectionate or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.