Process Engineer

ECKART; Painesville (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ECKART in Ohio seeks a hands-on Process Engineer to lead atomization, milling, and process improvement across site production operations. You will partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and EHS to drive yield, safety, and product consistency.

You will optimize process conditions, analyze data, develop control strategies, and lead cross-functional projects to reduce variability and improve throughput. Strong analytical skills and initiative are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 3+ years in metal powder, atomization, milling, or pigment processes.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional floor projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead process improvements across atomization, milling, and ink processing.
• Analyze KPIs and apply 5 Why / Fishbone tools.
• Develop SOPs and train operators.
• Collaborate with Quality, EHS, and Engineering.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Cross-functional leadership

Statistical tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

LEAN methodology

Six Sigma

SPC

Job description

ECKART is seeking a hands-on, technically driven Process Engineer to support and improve critical production processes across atomization, milling, particle processing, and related manufacturing operations. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working directly with operations teams, using data to solve complex process challenges, and driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, yield, throughput, and product consistency. The successful candidate will partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and EHS to strengthen process stability, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and support continuous improvement in a fast-paced industrial environment.

Process Engineer – Atomization, Milling & Process Improvement

Position Summary

The Process Engineer will provide technical leadership for atomization, milling operations, and end‑to‑end process improvement across all site production operations. This role supports daily operations, drives yield and quality improvements, ensures safe and stable production processes, and partners closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and EHS.

Responsible for optimizing conditions, milling parameters, screening/classifying operations, and material handling to ensure consistent throughput and product performance.

Key Responsibilities

Atomization Operations

• Support melting and atomization processes for copper powders, including molten metal handling, nozzle and crucible performance, particle size control, and gas flow optimization.
• Analyze atomizer data and operating curves to identify improvements in yield, stability, and particle morphology.
• Troubleshoot atomizer upsets, flow disruptions, and inconsistent cuts.

Milling & Particle Processing

• Improve screening efficiency, classification, and slurry handling to meet particle size specifications.
• Develop process control strategies to ensure repeatable quality results including PSD performance.

Ink Processing & Bonding Operations

• Ensure processes are stable.
• Troubleshoot upsets and maintain product consistency.

Process Improvement & Data Analytics

• Lead improvement projects targeting throughput, yield, cycle time, and cost reduction.
• Perform root-cause analysis (5 Why, Fishbone, SPC) to resolve chronic quality or process variability issues.
• Analyze production KPIs to identify process bottlenecks

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure process designs and daily operations comply with safety, process safety, and environmental standards.
• Partner with EHS on process safety reviews, hazard assessments, spill reduction, and waste management.
• Support quality investigations related to particle size, morphology, contamination, or batch inconsistencies.

Production Support & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Support operators and supervisors with troubleshooting and process documentation.
• Develop and update SOPs, operating sheets, and training materials.
• Partner with Engineering on equipment upgrades, commissioning, and technology deployments.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in metal powder, atomization, milling, pigments, or similar process industries.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including comfort with statistical tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional projects and drive action on the floor.

Preferred

• Experience with copper and aluminum production environments.
• Background in continuous improvement (LEAN, Six Sigma).
• Understanding of ISO 9001 and 14001 systems
• Technical curiosity and strong process ownership
• Ability to influence operators and supervisors