Process Engineer

Benteler Automotive Corporation; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

BENTELER Automotive is seeking a skilled Process Engineer to join our new South Carolina facility. You will establish and optimize manufacturing processes, launch new programs, and lead continuous improvement efforts to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and cost targets.

In this role you will analyze data, support equipment installation, drive lean initiatives, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver world-class operational performance in a dynamic automotive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ability to read technical drawings and process documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead new product launches and project management to meet timelines and costs.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to hit safety, quality, and cost targets.
• Analyze equipment performance and coordinate maintenance and reliability initiatives.
• Drive energy management and sustainability initiatives across operations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on continuous improvement projects.

Skills

Process engineering

Lean manufacturing

Project management

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

Division: BENTELER Automotive
Functional Area: Engineering
Career Level: Professional
Contract Type: Permanent/Full-time
Weekly Working Hours: 40.00
Required Languages: English

At BENTELER, we make it possible. From promoting individual talents to international career prospects, or from generous opportunities for designing your career to personal development opportunities—at BENTELER, we always have answers to your questions about the future, based entirely on your personal needs. Diverse options that makes sure you can be anything and everything. Or, as we like to put it: BENTELER makes it happen!

As we continue to expand our Automotive Modules footprint, we are seeking a talented and motivated Process Engineer to join our new manufacturing facility in South Carolina.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in establishing and optimizing manufacturing processes at a new facility while leveraging the support, resources, and best practices of an established global organization. The Process Engineer will be instrumental in launching new programs, driving continuous improvement, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and supporting world-class operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

New Program Launches & Project Management

• Support the successful implementation of new products, process changes, and engineering initiatives while meeting customer requirements and business objectives.
• Lead assigned projects, including timeline management, milestone achievement, and cost control.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, and production launch activities.
• Coordinate production equipment setup, relocation, and tear-down activities when required.
• Support product reviews, prototype builds, tooling implementation, and customer launch requirements.
• Participate in equipment approval processes, technical releases, and final inspections.

Process Engineering & Optimization

• Develop, document, revise, and improve manufacturing processes to achieve safety, quality, productivity, labor, and cost targets.
• Collect, interpret, and analyze production and process data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Create performance specifications and operating standards for manufacturing equipment.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve process-related issues affecting quality, throughput, scrap, and efficiency.
• Provide direct manufacturing floor support and technical expertise to production teams.
• Drive process improvements utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles
• Utilize structured problem-solving and root cause analysis techniques to eliminate recurring issues.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Evaluate new technologies, equipment, and manufacturing innovations to improve operational performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement continuous improvement projects.

Equipment Reliability & Maintenance Support

• Analyze equipment performance and identify sources of breakdowns or process disturbances.
• Develop and implement long-term corrective actions involving mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and automated systems.
• Coordinate preventive and predictive maintenance activities with maintenance and operations teams.
• Support equipment upgrades and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate technical support from external vendors and service providers.

Energy Management & Sustainability

• Assess current energy usage and establish baseline performance metrics.
• Develop and implement energy management initiatives that improve environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Monitor energy consumption and identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve performance.
• Collaborate with energy suppliers, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders as needed.
• Support compliance with energy-related regulations and sustainability goals.
• Stay current on emerging energy technologies, industry trends, and best practices.
• Provide training and guidance to employees regarding energy initiatives and sustainability efforts.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective action processes.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, process documentation, and manufacturing specifications.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Preferred

• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and other automotive quality tools.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience supporting equipment installation, launches, and process validation activities.
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems, robotics, and assembly processes.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Your contact

Casondra Meerschaert
BENTELER Human Resources

The BENTELER Group always has the answer. That’s because in each of our divisions and at every one of our sites, you can benefit from the size and diversity of an international corporation with more than 20,000 employees at around 90 locations worldwide.

The same is true in our BENTELER Automotive division. This is where intelligent solutions for the automotive world are born—and where we, as a partner, provide answers on central topics like safety, the environment, and efficiency to nearly every major automotive manufacturer. Whether it's the body, the chassis, or the engine, we’re constantly setting new standards with the products, materials, and technologies we develop and produce. Inventiveness that makes sure you can be and become anything. Or, as we like to put it: BENTELER makes it happen!