Process Engineer - CNC & Lean Improvement (La Vergne)

Kelly Services; La Vergne (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Retirement savings plan with holiday/p

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Kelly Services is seeking a Process Engineer for an on-site role in La Vergne, Tennessee. The position focuses on supporting CNC machining and grinding operations, improving processes, and driving safety, quality, cost, and productivity initiatives across the facility.

The ideal candidate has hands-on CNC manufacturing experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with production, engineering, suppliers, and plant leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Hands-on manufacturing experience may be considered.
• Experience with CNC grinding, CNC programming, machine tool design, or related manufacturing processes.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of CAD software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex manufacturing issues.
• Experience conducting root-cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting for manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Define manufacturing problems, establish facts, analyze data, and develop effective solutions.
• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5-Why, A3, 8D, and DMAIC.
• Create, review, and improve CNC programs to reduce cycle times, production costs, and process variability.
• Develop, improve, document, and standardize manufacturing processes.
• Ensure process documentation supports plant safety, quality, and production requirements.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities throughout the manufacturing facility.
• Provide leadership and support for lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Analyze production data and recommend improvements to manufacturing methods, tooling, equipment, and workflows.
• Support equipment and process reliability initiatives.
• Identify and eliminate variability within standard manufacturing processes.
• Assist with capital equipment projects and equipment justifications.
• Provide technical input for engineering changes, supplier corrective actions, and new product development projects.
• Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining a strong sense of urgency.
• Develop and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.

Skills

CNC grinding

CNC programming

Engineering drawings reading

Microsoft Office

Lean manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Kelly Services is seeking a Process Engineer for an on-site role in La Vergne, Tennessee. The position focuses on supporting CNC machining and grinding operations, improving processes, and driving safety, quality, cost, and productivity initiatives across the facility.

The ideal candidate has hands-on CNC manufacturing experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with production, engineering, suppliers, and plant leadership.