Project Engineer Mgr

Gpac; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

GPAC in the United States is seeking a hands-on Product/Process Engineer to own manufacturing improvements from concept to production. You will develop and optimize processes, lead root-cause investigations, and coordinate new product launches, including PPAP activities.

The role emphasizes Lean and Six Sigma, cross-functional collaboration, and practical problem-solving with a strong mechanical aptitude. Relocation to Illinois is required; U.S.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in product, manufacturing, or process engineering.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on problem-solving ability.
• Experience driving Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve quality, safety, and cost.
• Lead root-cause investigations and drive corrective actions.
• Support new product launches, including PPAP coordination.
• Design and improve tooling, fixtures, and production equipment.
• Create and update SOPs and visual work instructions.
• Train production teams on new processes and improvements.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma to eliminate waste and improve flow.
• Manage projects from planning through execution.
• Maintain BOMs, routings, and ERP data.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Why This Role Stands Out

• Full product lifecycle ownership - from concept and prototyping through production and continuous improvement
• High visibility with operations and leadership
• Opportunity to lead manufacturing improvements that directly impact cost, quality, and efficiency
• Autonomy to solve problems and implement practical, well-thought-out solutions
• Collaborative environment with strong cross-functional exposure

What You'll Do

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve quality, safety, and cost
• Lead root-cause investigations and drive sustainable corrective actions
• Support new product launches, including PPAP coordination
• Design and improve tooling, fixtures, and production equipment
• Create and update SOPs and visual work instructions
• Train production teams on new processes and improvements
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles to eliminate waste and improve flow
• Manage projects from planning through execution
• Maintain BOMs, routings, and ERP data

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 4+ years of experience in Product, Manufacturing, or Process Engineering
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on problem-solving ability
• Experience driving Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma initiatives
• Proven ability to work independently and influence cross-functional teams
• Clear communicator who can move projects forward
• Nice to Have: Experience with electronics or programming.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance

(Relocation to Illinois Required)If you enjoy taking ownership of products, improving how things are built, and seeing your work move from concept to production, this is a role where you can make a measurable impact. We are seeking a driven, hands-on Product Engineer who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and wants real influence over product performance, process design, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position requires relocation to Illinois . U.S. work authorization is required; sponsorship is not available.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.