Staff Manufacturing Process Engineer

Hexcel; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hexcel in Decatur, AL is seeking a Staff Manufacturing Process Engineer to develop into an operations leader in a world‑class aerospace materials facility. You will support PAN and carbon fiber manufacturing and help produce advanced materials for next‑generation applications.

You will lead day‑to‑day operations, drive root‑cause analysis, implement improvements, mentor engineers, and collaborate with maintenance, quality, and supply chain to maximize uptime and asset utilization, while planning

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with 7+ years of experience, or a master's degree with 5+ years.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing.
• Interest and capability to grow into an operations management career path.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize day‑to‑day manufacturing operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Drive rapid troubleshooting and resolution of production, equipment, and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Lead process improvement initiatives focused on yield, throughput, cycle‑time reduction, and plant efficiency.
• Spearhead troubleshooting and partner with line engineers to drive process continuity.
• Run daily start‑meetings and provide guidance.
• Support next‑generation factory and automation implementation activities.
• Plan, lead, and implement new line start‑ups, qualifications, and engineering changes, ensuring minimal disruption to production and sustained performance gains.
• Drive root‑cause analysis for complex product, process, and equipment issues; implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Partner closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and supply chain to maximize uptime and asset utilization.
• Develop and leverage process data and feedback systems; lead small‑to‑mid‑scale capital and continuous improvement projects.
• Provide technical leadership on the floor by mentoring engineers and operators while representing manufacturing in cross‑functional initiatives and plant priorities.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering or related

Master’s degree in engineering

Job description

Do you want to be developed into a leader within a world‑class manufacturing environment? This role is designed to be a key stepping stone into operations leadership. As a Staff Manufacturing Process Engineer in our Decatur, AL facility, you will play a critical role supporting our PAN and carbon fiber manufacturing operations and help produce advanced materials that power next‑generation aerospace applications.

What You Will Do

• Lead and optimize day‑to‑day manufacturing operations by improving production flow, methods, and maintaining equipment performance to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Serve as a primary engineering resource to operations, driving rapid troubleshooting and resolution of production, equipment, and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Lead and execute process improvement initiatives focused on yield, throughput, cycle‑time reduction, and overall plant efficiency using structured problem‑solving methods.
• Spearhead troubleshooting and partner with line engineers to drive process continuity.
• Run daily start‑meetings and provide guidance.
• Support next‑generation factory and automation implementation activities.
• Plan, lead, and implement new line start‑ups, qualifications, and engineering changes, ensuring minimal disruption to production and sustained performance gains.
• Drive root‑cause analysis for complex product, process, and equipment issues; implement and sustain corrective and preventive actions across the operation.
• Partner closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and supply chain to evaluate and continuously improve equipment, field installations, and maintenance strategies to maximize uptime and asset utilization.
• Develop and leverage process data and feedback systems; lead small‑to‑mid‑scale capital and continuous improvement projects.
• Provide technical leadership on the floor by mentoring engineers and operators while representing manufacturing in cross‑functional initiatives and plant priorities.

Where This Role Will Take You

This role is designed to build the capabilities needed for operations management and site leadership. You will gain exposure to operational decision‑making, including prioritization, resource allocation, and performance management, and position yourself for future progression into front‑line leadership, operations management, or broader site leadership roles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related field) with 7+ years of experience, OR master’s degree in engineering with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience in manufacturing.
• Interest and capability to grow into an operations management career path.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.
• Exposure to cross‑functional leadership and mentoring.

Eligible candidates must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, person lawfully admitted for permanent residence, temporary resident under sections 210(a) or 245(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, person admitted in refugee status, or person granted asylum.

Hexcel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected class.