General Summary:
The Lead Process Engineer is responsible for overseeing process development, optimization, and project execution across manufacturing operations while leading a team of process engineers and techs. This role includes mentoring team members and responsibility for managing formal performance feedback. The Lead Process Engineer and their team will support new product introductions, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and drive efficiency and quality improvements across the facility. All tasks will be performed while supporting the policies, goals, and objectives of the company.
Education and/or Experience:
- B.S. in engineering or other technical discipline
- 5+ years’ experience in manufacturing,
- 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role preferred
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
- Proficient with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Minitab
- Experience with polymer compounding, injection molding, sintering, or CNC machining
- Able to design tooling, fixtures, and part using solid modeling software
- Above average attention to detail
- A strong commitment to on time task completion
- Ability to work in fast paced manufacturing environment
- Ability to present technical data concisely in a timely manner
- Well-organized, safety-conscious, and accountable for actions and performance
- Sound judgment, problem analysis, and decision-making skills that follow established processes, procedures, and policies
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of process engineers and techs, providing technical guidance and career development support
- Conduct periodic performance appraisals and provide formal performance feedback to team members
- Participate in hiring and training team members
- Develop, configure, and optimize manufacturing processes from concept to production (NPI)
- Drive scale-up of new products from prototype to full-scale manufacturing
- Analyze process data and performance metrics to identify opportunities to improve output, reduce waste, and enhance product quality
- Lead and support root cause analysis and corrective actions for process deviations or production issues (MRB)
- Assist in ramp-up of new equipment (IQ, OQ, PQ) and support preventive maintenance
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations
- Develop and maintain process documentation: SOPs, process maps, and work instructions
- Select and implement tools, equipment, or automation to enhance process capability
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
- Conduct process validations and capability studies
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma
- Complete individual or team projects as assigned
- Provide training and mentorship to molding technicians and production staff
- Follow the standards of ISO13485 and ISO 9001 International Standards
- Other duties as assigned
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or another technical discipline
- At least 5 years of manufacturing experience
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
- Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Minitab
- Experience with polymer compounding, injection molding, sintering, or CNC machining
- Ability to design tooling, fixtures, and parts using solid modeling software
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
- Strong communication, interpersonal, problem analysis, decision-making, organization, and prioritization skills
- Safety-consciousness and ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- At least 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience
What We Do
Advanced Powder Products, Inc. (APP) is a leading manufacturer specializing in the design and production of high-quality powder metal parts and complex net-shape components. Utilizing advanced technologies such as Metal Injection Molding (MIM) and 3D metal printing, the company serves diverse markets, including the medical, aerospace, defense, industrial, and firearms industries, with a mission to be America's best and biggest metal injection molding company.
