Process Engineer/Manufacturing Engineer

Excelsior Executive Search; Sumter (SC); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment firm is seeking a Process Engineer/Manufacturing Engineer in South Carolina. This role requires a proactive approach to manufacturing line support, with an emphasis on mechanical design and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will spend 75-80% of their time on the production floor, engaging in process improvements and liaising with cross-functional teams. A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is preferred, and experience levels vary to align compensation with qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred, equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• Proficient in Mechanical Design and advanced troubleshooting techniques.
• Ability to present technical information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement machine improvements.
• Support manufacturing operations by identifying and resolving issues.
• Train personnel on maintenance principles and techniques.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Troubleshooting

Data-driven decision-making

Communication to nontechnical audiences

Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Process Engineer/Manufacturing Engineer - South Carolina

Ideal Candidate: Mechanical/Process Engineer who is motivated to work on the manufacturing line and be on the floor 75-80% of the time. Has experience with troubleshooting, mechanical design, and cam-driven equipment, that integrates pneumatic, servo, and PLC-driven equipment/sensors.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Technical Leader, this role provides direct production line support through process improvement initiatives and line-side project execution to help achieve departmental and plant performance objectives. The position requires strong data-driven decision-making to implement measurable improvements and demonstrate effectiveness.

Primary areas of focus include capacity expansion through optimization of existing processes, quality and waste reduction initiatives, and cost improvement efforts. The individual must effectively manage multiple assignments of varying scope and complexity while collaborating across several levels of cross-functional teams.

Core technical competencies include Mechanical Design and Troubleshooting of cam-driven equipment that integrates pneumatic, servo, and PLC-driven equipment/sensors.

Essential Functions

• Design and implement machine improvements.
• Provide design feedback and installation support for capital projects in collaboration with project engineering resources.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in Mechanical Design and advanced troubleshooting techniques.
• Train and coach maintenance personnel on sound maintenance principles and techniques.
• Lead troubleshooting and upkeep of cam-driven equipment that integrates pneumatic, servo, and PLC-driven equipment/sensors.
• Support manufacturing operations by identifying issues and driving resolution plans in a fast-paced production environment.
• Apply standard engineering practices in equipment repair and vendor relationship management.
• Coordinate activities among equipment vendors, research and development partners, and internal functional teams.
• Manage small to large-scale projects requiring extensive coordination to meet Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost objectives.
• Prepare capital appropriation requests and manage expenditures for improvement initiatives.
• Maintain knowledge of safety standards and collaborate with Environmental, Health, and Safety personnel to sustain a safe work environment.
• Support and coordinate preventive maintenance activities aligned with data-based troubleshooting efforts.
• Recommend commercial vendors and materials to support projects, reliability improvements, and cost savings initiatives.
• Evaluate work scope to determine in-house fabrication versus external contracting; obtain quotations, select contractors, and oversee execution to completion.
• Recommend and implement capital equipment or process modifications, including installation, debugging, and production team training.
• Maintain all associated documentation including validations, operating procedures, preventive maintenance schedules, engineering change notifications, and bills of materials.
• Develop comprehensive knowledge of equipment setup, adjustment, and improvement opportunities.
• Achieve budgeted cost reduction and efficiency targets.
• Maintain accountability for departmental program spending within approved limits.
• Mentor and develop technical staff to promote continuous improvement.
• Modify, redesign, and create technical drawings of tooling and fixtures.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Possess experience with CAD platforms, with preference for SolidWorks and AutoCAD (other CAD experience considered).
• Present technical information clearly to nontechnical audiences (e.g., project reviews, technical training sessions, safety meetings).

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Spend more than 70% of time on the production floor supporting troubleshooting, maintenance, and improvement projects.
• Direct support personnel in equipment modification, adjustment, removal, and installation.
• May provide functional supervision of engineering staff to accomplish assigned objectives.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred. Equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience

All experience levels will be considered. Compensation will align with experience and qualifications.