Process Engineer

Vestas; Windsor (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vestas is seeking a Process Engineer to own process performance in an assigned production area, leading PFMEA and change control while troubleshooting automated equipment to meet SQDCP goals.

You will drive continuous improvement, support NPI, and coordinate with Lean Engineering and headquarters to optimize cost, yield, and safety across the plant.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification.
• Core Tools training: PFMEA, Control Plan, SPC.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.
• CAD drafting: SolidWorks/AutoCAD is an advantage.
• Experience reading technical documents and writing reports.

Responsibilities

• Own assigned production area and coordinate with staff to meet plan.
• Lead PFMEA activities and ensure compliance with QBD/ECM/ToCI.
• Troubleshoot PLC, robotic, and automated systems to reduce downtime.
• Establish OEE, preventive maintenance, and process improvements.
• Develop process documentation and manage changes through ECM.
• Collaborate with Lean Engineering on plant trials and cost/yield goals.
• Support NPI, technology transfer, and capacity expansions.

Skills

PFMEA

Control Plans

SPC

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification

Tools

PLC programming

Robotics

SolidWorks/AutoCAD

OEE tools

Production Support Systems

Job description

The Process Engineer owns process and equipment performance in an assigned production area, leading PFMEA, change control, and front-line troubleshooting of automated equipment to meet SQDCP objectives. The role drives continuous improvement and supports new product and technology introduction in partnership with production, Lean Engineering, and headquarters.

What you will do as a Process Engineer

Take ownership of an assigned production area, working closely with production staff to meet the production plan.

Lead Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) activities after Vestas Way to Market (VWTM) Gate 7.

Ensure achievement of Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) objectives and adherence to layout design, PFMEA requirements, Control Plans, Process Work Instructions (PWI), testing and tooling Requests for Proposals (RFPs), workforce balancing, Takt time planning, process parameters, and process capability.

Enable first-time-right quality through process confirmations, layered audits, and implementation of mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke) and firewall controls, and monitor and reduce process and product variation.

Troubleshoot process and equipment problems, including PLC, robotic, and automated systems, to reduce downtime, conserve maintenance costs, and prevent recurrence.

Establish and monitor Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and initiate maintenance setup analyses, preventive maintenance schedules, and equipment improvements.

Implement process improvement initiatives in coordination with Lean Engineering, including designing methods and conducting plant trials to increase production while improving cost, yield, quality, and safety.

Govern and maintain the Engineering Change Management (ECM) process and ensure compliance with Quality by Design (QBD) and Transfer of Current Information (ToCI), including determining the test methods, procedures, parts, and equipment needed to implement engineering changes.

Develop and maintain accurate, understandable process documentation within revision-controlled structures, including Process Instructions (PII), PWI, and Bills of Materials (BOM).

Provide project management for New Product Introduction (NPI), technology transfer, and capacity expansions or conversions within the factory, in collaboration with headquarters and supporting functions, and support production during the introduction of new products, materials, and technology.

Manage equipment purchases within budget, including submitting investment requests, defining Process Technical Specifications (PTS) for new equipment, and assigning asset numbers.

All other duties as assigned.

PFMEA Ownership – Ability to maintain PFMEA documentation and ensure alignment with Control Plans and Work Instructions.

Process Control Setup – Ability to define process parameters, process capability targets, production layouts, workforce balancing, and Takt time to achieve SQDCP objectives.

Problem Prevention – Ability to implement process confirmations, layered audits, mistake-proofing (Poka-Yoke), and quality firewall controls to ensure first-time-right performance.

Change Control Compliance – Ability to apply QBD, ECM, and ToCI requirements and maintain accurate, revision-controlled process documentation.

Equipment and Automation Support – Ability to program and troubleshoot PLC, robotic, and automated equipment, apply OEE analysis, and use Production Support Systems.

Data-Driven Process Improvement – Ability to identify, implement, and validate process improvements alongside Lean Engineering through KPI analysis, plant trials, and performance measurement.

Teamwork and Communication – Ability to collaborate across functions and with all levels of management and employees, communicate technical information, and support implementation of manufacturing process improvements.

Essential Functions:

Regular and reliable attendance, including flexibility to support production outside standard hours (other shifts, weekends, or on-call response to downtime) as needed.

Ability to use a computer for up to 8 hours per day.

Ability to work on-site on the factory floor with technicians and production team members as job assignments require.

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, and to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach to access machinery and equipment.

Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work on elevated platforms.

Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Ability to see and hear alarms and timers, and to follow verbal instructions.

Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the duration of the task.

Ability to follow safety procedures when working on or near equipment, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and around moving mechanical parts, vibration, and chemicals.

What you will bring:

5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations.

Engineering degree or equivalent technical qualification, verified Core Tools training (PFMEA, Control Plan, SPC), and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred. CAD drafting capability (SolidWorks/AutoCAD) is an advantage.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations, and to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts (exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, permutations) and statistical methods (frequency distribution, test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation, sampling theory, factor analysis).

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, and to interpret a wide variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form involving several abstract and concrete variables.

Advanced skills in Microsoft programs.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 20 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation. Requires good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and visual acuity to inspect equipment, read technical documentation, and operate a computer and other office equipment. The position requires the ability to use a computer, keyboard, and monitor for up to 8 hours per day.

This position operates in both office and manufacturing environments. The employee will regularly work in production, warehouse, and maintenance areas around moving machinery and equipment and may occasionally be required to work at heights or in confined spaces. Exposure to noise, vibration, dust, temperature fluctuations, and other industrial conditions is expected. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) may include safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, steel-toed footwear, and other safety equipment as needed. Occasional evening , weekend , or emergency-response work may be required

Our commitment to a fair hiring

At Vestas, we evaluate all candidates solely based on their professional experience, education, and relevant skills. To support a fair recruitment process, we kindly ask that you remove any photos, dates of birth or graduation, gender pronouns, marital status, or other personal information not relevant to the role before submitting your CV/resume. Your CV/resume should focus on your professional and educational background, along with the necessary contact details (email and phone number). We train our hiring teams in inclusive evaluation and regularly review process outcomes to ensure fairness.

DEIB Statement

At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

About Vestas

Vestas is the energy industry's global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We are specialised in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. We consider ourselves pioneers within the industry, as we continuously aim to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 200 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, we have an unmatched track record demonstrating our expertise within the field. With 39,000 employees globally, we are a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution – today, tomorrow, and far into the future. Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives. We also aim to give everyone equal access to opportunity. To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.