Senior Process Development Engineer

TITLE

Senior Process Development Engineer

COMPANY

JNA

DEPARTMENT

Production Engineering

LOCATION

Greenville SC

CLASSIFICATION

Salaried Exempt

REPORTS TO

Manger - Metalworking

GRADE

Technical ladder - grade 6 (Commensurate to exp)

Summary/Purpose

Metalworking (machining, grinding, and finishing) is a core technology within JTEKT. This position works on high-priority metalworking development projects that directly impact plant productivity and product quality. The role focuses on developing and optimizing machining and grinding processes for both new product launches and continuous improvement of existing operations. Work involves applying advanced technical expertise to solve complex process challenges while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and under the guidance of senior technical leaders.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities:

• Develop and optimize CNC turning and milling processes for new product launches and production improvement
• Develop and optimize centerless and non-centerless grinding processes, including wheel, spindle, and dressing strategy
• Design and validate robust work-holding concepts to ensure repeatable, capable production processes
• Apply GD&T expertise to process design, datum strategy, and tolerance capability to ensure production feasibility
• Conduct process capability studies, analyze statistical results, and implement improvements under direction of senior engineers
• Troubleshoot complex machining and grinding issues related to tooling, vibration, thermal effects, and process stability
• Investigate and evaluate new metalworking processes and technologies within assigned scope
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reduction through tooling strategy, cycle time optimization, and waste reduction
• Participate in design and validation of new manufacturing systems and assist in training of plant personnel
• Support internal manufacturing teams and suppliers during launch and process improvement activities
• Follow JTEKT quality gate systems, including PFMEA, process documentation, and capability confirmation
• Travel to JTEKT manufacturing plants and suppliers to support process development and troubleshoot technical issues
• Document process development work and share technical findings with team members

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong problem-solving skills with experience developing new or improved manufacturing processes
• Solid technical understanding of machining, grinding, and finishing processes
• Good mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of electronics and sensor technologies
• Comfortable working in manufacturing environments and collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Experience with equipment standards, metrology, and diagnostic tools
• Experience with data acquisition systems (power monitoring, acoustics, accelerometers)
• Proficiency with SolidWorks. Experience with Mastercam is a plus
• Ability to work effectively under general direction and follow established procedures and policies

Education and Experience:

• Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree (BSME or MSME)
• Associate degree or technical certification acceptable with demonstrated advanced machining and grinding expertise
• 5-7 years of diverse metalworking experience in machining and/or grinding
• Experience manufacturing automotive driveline or precision rotating components (e.g., full and half shafts, CVJs, bearings)
• Experience with Electronic Power Steering (EPS) or Electronic Brake systems preferred
• Experience supporting high-volume automotive production environments
• Experience participating in PFMEA and Control Plan development

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with periodic exposure to manufacturing areas requiring appropriate personal protective equipment. Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs may be required.
• Domestic and occasional international travel required, typically 10–30% depending on project phase, with higher travel during new launches and reduced travel during steady-state operations.