Process Engineer

Charter Automotive; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) plan with employer matching

Company-paid life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Charter Wire, part of Charter Manufacturing, seeks a Process Engineer to improve manufacturing processes and support new processes and equipment. You’ll partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance and Tool Design to reduce issues and boost safety, quality and throughput.

You will analyze processes, lead CI projects, and develop SOPs while guiding teams toward a culture of continuous improvement across a 24/7 operation in Milwaukee.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment improving processes.
• Knowledge of lean methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, Six Sigma).
• Basic 2D/3D CAD skills and production equipment knowledge.
• Strong communication and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide floor-level technical support and lead process-improvement teams.
• Develop and document SOPs and process controls for new/modified processes.
• Lead corrective and preventive actions from quality issues and customer feedback.
• Coordinate with Engineering on new component processes and equipment planning.
• Drive variation reductions using Process Control methodology.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Kaizen

5S

Six Sigma Green Belt

SPC

PFMEA

Process control plans

CAD (2D/3D)

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Charter Manufacturing is a fourth-generation family-owned business where our will to grow drives us to do it better. Join the team and become part of our family! Charter Wire is hiring a Process Engineer! Job Summary: Help improve how we manufacture today while shaping how we operate in the future. In this hands‑on role, you will partner closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Tool Design to improve manufacturing processes, solve operational challenges, and support the introduction of new processes and equipment. You will help evaluate new and existing processes, clarify process ownership across Production and Maintenance, and develop sustainable solutions that reduce recurring issues and reactive problem solving. Your work will include a mix of long‑term improvement initiatives, shorter‑term projects, and day‑to‑day technical troubleshooting focused on improving safety, quality, yield, throughput, and overall process reliability.

Position specifics

• Location: Milwaukee WI
• Schedule: Onsite role supporting a 24/7 manufacturing operation. While a traditional salaried first‑shift schedule is available, there is flexibility for earlier or evening hours based on preference and business needs. Once fully trained, occasional weekend support will also be required.
• Travel: Up to 10%

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Charter Manufacturing is unable to sponsor for employment visas at this time.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical support to operations by spending time on the floor learning processes, troubleshooting, and leading and/or participating on multiple process improvement teams.
• Create excitement, positive energy, and recognition (be an advocate) inside and outside of the business regarding CI accomplishments including internal reporting.
• Investigate, evaluate, develop project estimates, financial proposals, and manage a variety of operational projects.
• Facilitate/Lead corrective and preventive action teams resulting from customer complaints, internal quality problems, and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with Engineering on new component process and equipment planning.
• Drive variation reductions utilizing Process Control methodology.
• Define and document Standard Operating Procedures, OI’s for new and modified processes.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and facilitation in the evolution of the CI culture while supporting teamwork values.
• Identify and work to remove barriers that slow or prevent successful attainment of process improvement project goals.
• Manage process data collection and analysis as part of project tracking and completion.
• Assist with establishing and tracking key operational metrics.
• Oversee development and maintenance of heat treat procedures and practices.
• Follow Environmental, Quality and Safety Management System procedures and requirements.
• Ability to meet the essential job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, as outlined in the job description.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field.
• Three plus years’ experience in a manufacturing environment improving processes.
• Knowledge and experience with lean manufacturing methodologies and problem‑solving techniques including Kaizen, 5S and 6σ.
• Basic 2D/3D CAD software skills.
• Technical skills in manufacturing processes and methods including flow, layout, assembly, and production equipment.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Self‑starter with strong analytical skills.
• Capacity to work in process improvement teams as a teacher, leader, and as a member.
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), PFMEA, process control plans, process flow diagrams, and part routings.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient with the basis features of Microsoft Office products.

Nice to haves

• Five plus years’ proven track record of leading safety, quality, and process improvement teams within a manufacturing environment.
• Five plus years’ experience in Heat Treat operations.
• Certifications in Six Sigma Green Belt or above from a recognized lean source.
• Demonstrated success in the application of lean/CI concepts in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with the Value stream approach a basis for Continuous Improvement.
• Familiarity with filament‑based 3D printing.
• Proven project management including Kaizen projects.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar software.
• Proficiency with statistical and flow charting/process mapping software.
• Leveraging AI in a production environment.

About Charter Wire

Charter Wire is a leading Tier 1 supplier and manufacturer of Engineered Shaped Wire, Cold Finished Bar, and Cold‑Headed and Stamped Components to various industries, including Automotive, Agriculture, Construction, Consumer, Industrial and Oil & Gas. Charter Wire is a member of the Charter Manufacturing family of companies.

Comprehensive benefits

• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) plan that includes employer matching and profit sharing
• Company‑paid life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO)

Our Story

Charter Manufacturing is a family‑owned group of diversified metals manufacturing businesses founded in 1936 and headquartered in Mequon, Wis. Our will to grow drives our success. It is fueled by a team of respected and dedicated employees committed to continuous improvement and an entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within the Charter family.

We are invested in you

When you work at Charter Manufacturing you’re part of a four‑generation family business. That means, you’re not just an employee, you’re one of our family members. We believe in mutual trust. Employees are respected and empowered to explore new and better ways to impact the success of the company. Employees, at every level, are valued for their motivation to deliver the best products and service. We are in this together. Charter has a thriving team environment. Part of being a family means we collaborate, learn, thrive and benefit – together. We are committed to your future. The forward thinking and enthusiasm from our team drives us to create resources and opportunities for employees to learn, develop and create their own future. We celebrate you. We are successful because of our employees — and their great work doesn’t go unnoticed. We recognize and reward our employees for their contributions.

Visit our website to learn more about our family of companies. View our 2022 Sustainability Report. To review our data use practices, visit our Company Privacy Policy. View/Download Employment‑related Notices: FMLA Poster E‑Verify Participation Poster (English & Español) Right to Work Poster (English & Español)