Cobalt KS Process Engineer

Job Title: Process Engineer

Department: Engineering

Reports To: Department Supervisor

FLSA Status: Salary

Summary:  The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining manufacturing processes used in the production of boats and marine components. This role focuses on improving safety, quality, cost, and delivery by analyzing production methods, implementing process improvements, and supporting cross-functional teams throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Process Development & Optimization 

• Design, document, and improve manufacturing processes 

• Optimize processes related to fiberglass layup, resin infusion, composite bonding, welding, machining, assembly, and finishing 

• Develop standard work instructions, process flow diagrams, and manufacturing routings 

• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) 

Production Support 

• Provide day-to-day engineering support to production teams 

• Troubleshoot process issues impacting quality, throughput, or safety 

• Support new product introductions (NPI) and production ramp-ups 

• Collaborate with production supervisors to improve line balance and labor efficiency 

Quality & Compliance 

• Ensure processes meet quality standards, marine regulations, and customer specifications 

• Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions for defects and non-conformances 

• Support audits and compliance with ISO, ABYC, and applicable marine standards 

Cost & Efficiency Improvement 

• Identify opportunities to reduce material waste, cycle time, and rework 

• Support cost-reduction initiatives through process improvements and material optimization 

• Analyze production data and KPIs to drive informed decisions 

Equipment & Tooling 

• Specify, evaluate, and support manufacturing equipment, tools, jigs, and fixtures 

• Collaborate with maintenance and vendors on equipment installation and upgrades 

• Ensure safe and efficient operation of manufacturing equipment 

Documentation & Training 

• Create and maintain process documentation and manufacturing specifications 

• Train production personnel on new or revised processes 

• Support knowledge transfer and continuous skill development 

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

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

• 2–5 years of process or manufacturing engineering experience (marine, aerospace, automotive, or composites preferred) 

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production systems 

• Experience with process documentation and continuous improvement tools 

• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical specifications 

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Other Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• 2–5 years of process or manufacturing engineering experience (marine, aerospace, automotive, or composites preferred)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and production systems
• Experience with process documentation and continuous improvement tools
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical specifications
• CAD experience
• Proficiency in MS office products

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Use the drop-down boxes to select the appropriate response to each area.
Continuous/C = 67-100%, Frequent/F = 33-66%, Occasional/O = 33%, None/N

a. Sits 4 hours
b. Stands 2 hours
c. Walks 4 hours
d. Drives 0 hours

Employee Lifts and/or Carries: type amount of weight in each area
Maximum: 20 (lbs) Frequently: 5 (lbs) Occasionally: 10 (lbs)

Employee uses Hands for repetitive activities:
a. Simple Grasping: Right, Occasional Left, Occasional
b. Pushing/Pulling: Right, Occasional Left, Occasional
c. Fine Manipulation: Right, Constant  Left, Constant

Employee uses Feet for repetitive activities:
a. Right: None Left: None

Employee is required to perform these activities:
a. Bending At Waist: Occasional
b. Squatting: Occasional
c. Climbing Ladders, Stairs: Occasional
d. Kneeling On Ground: Occasional
e. Reaching Above Shoulder: Occasional

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job (i.e., heat/cold, dust/dampness, height; chemical; noise) PPE requirements are included. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Typical office environment with work in manufacturing or field operations sometimes requiring PPE.

Work around moving mechanical parts and equipment; vibration; and chemicals.
Typical 8-hour workdays, overtime may be required.

Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Motivation: Measures self against standard of excellence.

Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time.

Dependability: Takes responsibility for own actions.

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