Staff Process Engineer to Frontline Operations Lead

Hexcel Corporation; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hexcel Corporation in Decatur, AL seeks a Staff Manufacturing Process Engineer to support PAN and carbon fiber manufacturing operations on the production floor. You will drive process improvements, solve complex issues, and mentor engineers and operators while partnering with maintenance, quality, and supply chain to maximize uptime and performance.

The role emphasizes expanding beyond technical execution into front-line leadership and operations management for aerospace programs, with exposure

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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 startups, 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, and own evaluation and continuous improvement of 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, and provide technical leadership on the floor by mentoring engineers and operators while representing manufacturing in cross-functional initiatives and plant priorities

Skills

Process engineering

Lean Six Sigma

Cross-functional leadership

Project leadership

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

Job description

Hexcel Corporation in Decatur, AL seeks a Staff Manufacturing Process Engineer to support PAN and carbon fiber manufacturing operations on the production floor. You will drive process improvements, solve complex issues, and mentor engineers and operators while partnering with maintenance, quality, and supply chain to maximize uptime and performance.

The role emphasizes expanding beyond technical execution into front-line leadership and operations management for aerospace programs, with exposure