Process Engineer

Actalent; Katy (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

HSA benefits

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer for a contract-to-hire role in Katy, TX. You will optimize high-volume production processes, drive continuous improvement, and partner with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, yield and throughput.

You will apply Lean methods, monitor OEE, lead root-cause analyses (5 Whys, DMAIC, 8D), and support new product introductions and process validations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Process Engineer in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics.
• Hands-on experience in manufacturing and process engineering in high-volume production.
• Proficiency with PLC platforms using ladder logic.
• Experience with Siemens PLC systems and automation technologies.
• Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.
• Root cause failure analysis and corrective actions.
• Structured problem-solving: 5 Whys, DMAIC, 8D.
• Ability to monitor OEE, yield, scrap, and process capability.
• SPC and MSA tools to control and improve process performance.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve safety, product quality, yield, throughput and efficiency.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing to reduce waste and optimize material flow in a high-volume environment.
• Monitor OEE, yield, scrap, fallout and process capability to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective actions using 5 Whys, DMAIC and 8D.
• Troubleshoot issues, investigate deviations and determine root causes of fallout.
• Support new product introductions, pilot builds and process validations.
• Manage non-conforming material investigations including containment and rework.
• Utilize SPC, MSA and process audits to reduce variation and ensure quality.
• Develop PFMEAs, Control Plans and work instructions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Eng, NPI, Quality, Equipment Engineering, Operations and Maintenance to improve performance.
• Train and support technicians and operators on process best practices.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities aligned with business goals.

Skills

5+ years experience

Bachelor's degree in ME/EE/Mechatronic

High-volume manufacturing

PLC programming

Siemens PLC systems

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

5 Whys/DMAIC/8D

OEE/Yield/Process capability

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree (Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics)

Tools

Siemens PLC

Ladder logic programming

SPC software

MSA tools

Job description

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Job Description

The Process Engineer supports high-volume manufacturing operations by optimizing production processes, driving continuous improvement, and enhancing product quality and operational efficiency. This role focuses on reducing waste, improving yield and throughput, and ensuring stable, repeatable processes through data-driven analysis and collaboration with cross-functional teams. The Process Engineer troubleshoots manufacturing issues, investigates process deviations and test failures, and implements corrective actions that support both day-to-day production and long-term business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve safety, product quality, yield, throughput, and overall operational efficiency.

• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to reduce waste, improve material flow, and support production line optimization in a high-volume environment.

• Monitor key process metrics, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), yield, scrap, fallout, and process capability, to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Whys, DMAIC, and 8D.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, investigate process deviations and test failures, and determine root causes of product fallout using data-driven analysis.

• Support new product introductions, pilot builds, and process validations, ensuring smooth transition from development to full-scale production.

• Manage non-conforming material investigations, including containment activities, rework processes, and failure analysis efforts.

• Utilize Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement System Analysis (MSA), and process audits to reduce variation and ensure consistent product quality.

• Develop, update, and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, process flows, PFMEAs, and Control Plans.

• Partner closely with Manufacturing Engineering, New Product Introduction (NPI), Quality, Equipment Engineering, Operations, and Maintenance teams to troubleshoot production issues and improve performance.

• Train and support technicians and operators, providing day-to-day manufacturing process support and guidance on best practices.

• Continuously identify opportunities for improvement, propose solutions, and implement changes that align with broader manufacturing and business objectives.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience working as a Process Engineer in a manufacturing environment.

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.

• Hands-on experience in manufacturing engineering and process engineering within high-volume production.

• Proficiency in programming, troubleshooting, and integrating PLC platforms using ladder logic.

• Demonstrated experience with Siemens PLC systems and related automation technologies.

• Strong experience in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing methodologies.

• Proven ability to perform root cause failure analysis and implement effective corrective actions.

• Experience applying structured problem-solving techniques such as 5 Whys, DMAIC, and 8D.

• Ability to monitor and interpret key manufacturing metrics, including OEE, yield, scrap, and process capability.

• Competence in using SPC and MSA tools to control and improve process performance.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.

• Strong troubleshooting skills and attention to detail, combined with a broad understanding of manufacturing operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting new product introduction activities, including pilot builds and process validations.

• Familiarity with developing and maintaining PFMEAs, Control Plans, and detailed work instructions.

• Ability to manage non-conforming material processes, containment actions, and rework strategies.

• Comfort working in fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environments with multiple stakeholders.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and naturally curious, with a strong drive for continuous learning and improvement.

• Ability to balance detailed technical analysis with an understanding of broader business objectives.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple improvement initiatives simultaneously.

• Openness to constructive feedback and commitment to delivering high-quality results.

Work Environment

This role is based in a modern, high-volume manufacturing facility in Brookshire, Texas, featuring new equipment and production lines. The Process Engineer works on-site, closely integrated with production, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement. The position is structured as a contract role with an anticipated duration of 6 to 12 months. Work is primarily performed on the manufacturing floor and in associated engineering and office areas, with regular interaction with automated systems and Siemens PLC-controlled equipment. Appropriate industrial attire and adherence to standard safety and facility protocols are expected.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Katy, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $45.00/hr.

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.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Katy,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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.