Production Systems Engineer, Operational Excellence

Powerus Autonomous Systems; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Powerus Autonomous Systems is seeking an experienced Process Engineer to design and optimize production processes for safe, quality-focused, on-time delivery. You will document standard work, analyze flows, and drive Lean/Six Sigma improvements across NPI and manufacturing ramps.

You will lead corrective actions using 8D, 5 Whys, and Ishikawa, develop KPIs and SPC, and partner with design engineering on DFM to reduce costs and enable capacity growth.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years in a production manufacturing or process engineering role.
• NPI and production ramp experience.
• Hands-on lean/CI delivery on the shop floor.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or other regulated frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Engineer production processes that meet targets for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Analyze flows to remove waste and elevate efficiency.
• Lead corrective actions using 8D, 5 Whys, and Ishikawa analysis.
• Instrument processes with KPIs and SPC for visibility and control.
• Drive Lean and Six Sigma improvements.
• On-floor engineering support for day-to-day production needs.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Build business cases for capital equipment and process changes.
• Coordinate DFM with design engineering to simplify builds and cut cost.
• Participate in formal DFM reviews.
• Own CI and capital projects from scoping to launch.

Skills

Lean/Six Sigma

Process development

Standard work

8D problem solving

5 Whys

Fishbone diagram

PFMEA

Control plans

Statistical Process Control

Advanced Excel

ERP experience

CAD experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

NetSuite ERP

CAD platforms

Advanced Excel

Job description

Who we arePowerus builds an American autonomous systems platform that moves, protects, and sustains critical assets in the world’s most demanding environments. We blend autonomy, manufacturing, and operational expertise to serve defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial customers globally.PurposeAdvance resilient autonomous technologies that elevate safety, reinforce national security, and extend capabilities in complex operations.Why this role mattersAs we scale across new programs and sites, we need durable processes, dependable throughput, and data-driven execution. You’ll be a key builder of our operational foundation.Role at a glanceProcess design and optimizationEngineer production processes that meet targets for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.Analyze flows to remove waste and elevate efficiency.Author and maintain standard work, process documentation, and specifications.Lead corrective actions using 8D, 5 Whys, and Ishikawa analysis.Instrument processes with KPIs and SPC for visibility and control.Drive Lean and Six Sigma improvements.Operations supportServe as on-floor engineering support for day-to-day production needs.Troubleshoot equipment and process issues to minimize downtime.Partner with maintenance on reliability upgrades and PM strategies.Build business cases for capital equipment and process changes.Enable capacity increases and optimize line balance and workflow.Industrialization (NPI)Prepare new products for manufacture and validate readiness for volume.Produce process flow diagrams, work instructions, tooling/fixture lists, and control plans.Coordinate DFM with design engineering to simplify builds and cut cost.Participate in formal DFM reviews.Quality and complianceElevate process capability and product quality in partnership with Quality.Execute and support CAPA.Plan and run process validations and capability studies.Meet safety, environmental, and regulatory obligations; support audits.Project leadershipOwn CI and capital projects from scoping to launch.Define schedules, budgets, and resources; report status to leadership.Contribute to facility expansion, automation, and modernization initiatives.QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.Experience3–7 years in a production manufacturing or process engineering role.Demonstrated NPI and production ramp experience.Hands-on lean/CI delivery on the shop floor.Core competenciesLean/Six Sigma; process development and standard work creation.Problem solving via 8D, 5 Whys, fishbone; PFMEA and control plans.DFM and specification of tooling and fixtures.Statistical Process Control and data-centric analysis.ERP and CAD experience; advanced Excel capability.PreferredLean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.Automation/robotics/modernization exposure.Background in aerospace, automotive, or industrial manufacturing.Knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100, or other regulated frameworks.How you workKaizen mindsetLean manufacturing principlesSingle-piece flow orientationTools & technologiesNetSuite (ERP), CAD platforms, and advanced ExcelLife at PowerusBuild systems that matter, with a team that values precision, speed, and integrity. Your work will directly shape how autonomous platforms are produced and scaled.