Sr. Mechanical Engineer - Process Development

Mesa Laboratories, Inc.; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 88,500 - 110,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) plan with match

Paid time off

Bonus 12%

Job summary

Mesa Laboratories, Inc. in Lakewood, CO, seeks a Senior Process Development Engineer to lead development, optimization and scale-up of manufacturing processes across products.

You will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex issues, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams. This role focuses on improving production efficiency, product quality, and cost reduction, ensuring compliance with GMP, FDA, and ISO standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in process development/manufacturing engineering.
• Proven ability to lead process improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, optimization, and scaling of manufacturing processes from concept to production.
• Develop and refine PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, and equipment specs.
• Collaborate with R&D to translate product specs into scalable processes.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues.
• Manage cross-functional project teams for new processes and transitions.

Skills

Process engineering

Six Sigma

DOE

SPC

Leadership

Education

Bachelors in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

COMSOL

Minitab

MATLAB

Job description

Compensation and Benefits

Base Compensation Range: $88,500 - $110,500

• Annual bonus opportunity of 12% based on company performance
• Annual equity award of $10,000

Outstanding Benefits and Perks:

• Eligible for benefits the first day of the month after you start
• Tiered Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options, Health savings (HSA), healthcare & dependent-care flexible spending (FSA) accounts
• Company paid short term and long-term disability (unless covered by a state disability plan)
• Company paid life insurance and AD&D
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid sick leave of 48 hours per calendar year
• Eligible employees may receive four (4) weeks paid Care Giver leave after 1 year of service or in accordance with state leave laws
• 401(k) plan that provides a 4% Safe Harbor company match on a 4% employee contribution that begins on Day 1
• Employee Wellness and Financial Assistance Resources through Cigna and NY Life
• Nine (9) paid company holidays per year

About the Company

Our Calibration Solutions portfolio uses the principles of advanced metrology to enable customers to measure and calibrate critical parameters in applications such as Environmental and Process Monitoring, Dialysis, Gas Flow, Air Quality, and Torque Testing.

Job Summary

The Senior Process Development Engineer is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and scale‑up of manufacturing processes for a wide range of products. Drive process improvement initiatives, troubleshoot complex issues, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with cross‑functional teams. Leads projects to enhance production efficiency, improve product quality, and reduce costs, while ensuring that processes comply with regulatory standards and industry best practices. The Senior Process Development Engineer will also be involved in strategic decision‑making related to process innovation and technology advancement.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Process Design and Development:
  • Lead the design, optimization, and scaling of manufacturing processes, from initial concept through full‑scale production.
  • Develop and refine process flow diagrams (PFDs), process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and equipment specifications.
  • Work with R&D and product development teams to translate product specifications and requirements into robust, scalable manufacturing processes.
  • Spearhead the integration of new technologies, equipment, and automation solutions into existing manufacturing processes.
• Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement:
  • Lead process improvement projects focused on enhancing yield, throughput, cycle time, and resource utilization.
  • Use advanced statistical tools and methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, DOE, FMEA, SPC) to identify inefficiencies, optimize process parameters, and solve complex manufacturing problems.
  • Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve cost‑efficiency.
  • Manage process benchmarking, performance tracking, and post‑project evaluation to measure the impact of process improvements.
• Troubleshooting and Technical Leadership:
  • Lead the troubleshooting and resolution of complex process‑related issues during production and testing.
  • Provide expert technical support to operations teams, guiding them through complex process challenges and ensuring timely resolution.
  • Drive root cause analysis for non‑conformances, process deviations, and product quality issues, implementing corrective actions and preventive measures.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (quality, production, supply chain, etc.) to identify and resolve process bottlenecks or inefficiencies that impact production schedules.
• Project Leadership and Cross‑Functional Collaboration:
  • Manage and lead cross‑functional project teams to implement new manufacturing processes, product transitions, and process improvements.
  • Act as the technical leader in the development and execution of process development projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and timelines.
  • Work closely with the production, quality, regulatory, and engineering teams to ensure that process designs meet safety, quality, compliance, and cost objectives.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and technology partners to support process development and procurement.
• Scale‑Up and Manufacturing Transition:
  • Oversee the scale‑up of new processes from laboratory or pilot‑scale to full‑scale manufacturing, ensuring process robustness and scalability.
  • Coordinate process validation activities to ensure compliance with industry regulations (e.g., GMP, FDA, ISO) during process transfers.
  • Lead technology transfer and process optimization initiatives to ensure smooth transitions from R&D to production while meeting cost, performance, and quality targets.
• Mentorship and Team Development:
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers, supporting their professional development and growth within the organization.
  • Lead training sessions for the engineering and production teams on new process technologies, methodologies, and best practices.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and collaboration within the process development team.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Prepare detailed technical reports, project plans, and presentations for senior management, summarizing project progress, challenges, and results.
  • Ensure all process documentation is maintained in accordance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and quality systems (e.g., ISO, GMP).
  • Lead the creation of process‑related documentation for audits, regulatory submissions, and technical reviews.
• Strategic Input and Process Innovation:
  • Contribute to the strategic direction of the process development function, identifying new opportunities for process innovation, cost savings, and technology advancement.
  • Drive the adoption of new process technologies, tools, and automation techniques to support the company’s long‑term manufacturing goals.
  • Evaluate emerging industry trends and technological advancements, recommending their integration into the company’s manufacturing processes.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process development, manufacturing engineering, or a related field, with a demonstrated ability to lead process improvement initiatives and projects.

Knowledge and Skillsets Required

• Advanced knowledge of process engineering principles (e.g., thermodynamics, material science, fluid dynamics, heat transfer).
• Expertise in process optimization tools and techniques, including Six Sigma, Design of Experiments (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Familiarity with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen Plus, COMSOL) and data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, MATLAB) is a plus.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP, FDA, ISO) and experience ensuring compliance in process development and manufacturing.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex projects.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to senior management and external stakeholders.
• Ability to influence decision‑making and drive results through technical expertise and collaboration.

Physical Demands

• Sitting: Often for extended periods at desks or meetings.
• Standing or walking: Occasionally for meetings or office tasks.
• Using computers: Typing and using office equipment.
• Lifting: Light, less than 10 pounds.
• Repetitive motions.

Environmental Conditions

• Workspace: Climate control (air conditioning or heating) to ensure comfort.
• Lighting: Adjustable lighting to reduce eye strain.
• Noise levels: Moderate, with occasional interruptions from phone calls and conversations.

Mesa Labs is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Mesa Labs prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. Please note that Mesa Labs conducts criminal background checks upon offer acceptance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.