Process Engineer I

FRALOCK; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 78,600 - 90,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k with Company Match

PTO

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in engineered solutions is seeking a Process Engineer I to manage complex development programs and support new product introduction efforts. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Materials Science or Engineering, alongside 0-2 years of experience in engineering roles, particularly in ceramics manufacturing. Responsibilities include contributing to design reviews, improving manufacturing processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $78,600 - $90,300 DOE and comprehensive benefits in Poway, California.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years in a technical engineering role.
• Experience in ceramics manufacturing or industrial engineering.

Responsibilities

• Support new product introduction (NPI) programs.
• Participate in design reviews contributing technical expertise.
• Own development of project planning documents.
• Formulate and improve process travelers.
• Collaborate with quality and manufacturing resources.
• Evaluate manufacturing process capability using Lean and Six Sigma principles.
• Monitor furnace process performance and edit work instructions.
• Manage material lot release process testing.
• Work with engineering and vendors for cost estimates.
• Assist and troubleshoot existing manufacturing processes.
• Lead creation of work instructions and training.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Analytical and problem-solving abilities

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings

Knowledge of failure-mode analysis techniques

Experience designing and applying Design of Experiments (DOE)

Proficiency with hand tools such as micrometers and calipers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering or related discipline

Tools

CAD/CAM software

ERP systems

QMS systems

Job description

Process Engineer I – Engineered Technical Ceramics

Full Time + Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with Company Match, PTO)

Job Type: Onsite | Salary Range: $78,600 - $90,300 DOE | Location: Poway, CA

Fralock is an engineered solutions provider creating advanced, high‑reliability components for sectors such as semiconductor equipment, medical devices, aerospace, and power electronics.

Job Summary

Seeking a materials or process engineer with 0–2 years of experience in product development and manufacturing engineering. The Process Engineer I will own technical and operational aspects of complex development programs under guidance from senior engineering and product/program management.

Key Responsibilities

• Support new product introduction (NPI) programs on behalf of product management, production, and engineering.
• Participate in design reviews, contributing technical expertise for product feasibility and optimal manufacturing methods.
• Own development of project planning documents: program scheduling, test plans, and resource planning.
• Formulate and improve process travelers using operator data and ERP software.
• Collaborate with quality and manufacturing resources to determine defect root causes, propose corrective actions, and document manufacturing changes via travelers.
• Evaluate manufacturing process capability (SPC), methods, and tooling, applying Lean and Six Sigma principles.
• Monitor furnace process performance, thermal consistency, shrink variability, and dye check yields, editing work instructions and process parameters as needed.
• Manage material lot release process testing and track key material properties for ceramic products.
• Work with engineering, operations, and vendors to develop cost estimates and proposals.
• Assist and troubleshoot existing manufacturing processes.
• Lead creation of work instructions and training for key selected processes.
• Support tactical projects from customer RMAs or audit findings, improving documentation and procedures.

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of failure‑mode analysis techniques for process development and improvement.
• Experience designing and applying Design of Experiments (DOE) to enhance process capabilities.
• Proficiency with hand tools such as micrometers, calipers, and Archimedes scales.

Preferred Skills

• Self‑motivated, results‑oriented, and strong team player.
• Hands‑on aptitude and process engineering knowledge.
• Experience with ceramic and/or glass component manufacturing.
• Understanding of ceramic powder handling and processing.
• Experience with multilayer ceramic manufacturing and high‑temperature sintering.
• History of self‑directed projects and R&D execution.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software and interpretation of FEA/CFD results.
• Hands‑on mechanical and/or thermophysical measurement testing experience.
• Familiarity with ERP and QMS systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Just In Time, Kanban, and ISO 9001 / AS9100 / ISO 13485.

Experience Requirements

• 0–2 years in a technical engineering role.
• Experience in ceramics manufacturing, sintering, industrial, production, or quality engineering.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering or an engineering‑related discipline.

ITAR/EAR Compliance

Access to ITAR/EAR‑controlled information is required; the successful candidate must be a U.S. person as defined by ITAR/EAR regulations.

Background Check

• Social Security verification
• Prior employment verification
• Criminal history check
• Personal and professional references
• Motor vehicle records

Accommodation Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Fralock provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination in any form, including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.