Sr. Process Engineer

Posted An Hour Ago
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Valencia, CA, USA
In-Office
90K-110K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Hardware • Defense • Industrial
The Role
Leads the development, optimization, and strategic direction of manufacturing processes for multilayer capacitor devices. Drives process improvement, yield, throughput, quality, cost, automation, and reliability initiatives using statistical analysis, DOE, Lean, and Six Sigma. Leads technology implementation, equipment qualification, validation, NPI, root-cause investigations, risk assessments, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration. Mentors engineers and provides technical leadership across manufacturing operations.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary & Responsibilities

Job Overview:

The Staff Process Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for the development, optimization, and long-term strategic direction of manufacturing processes for multi-layer capacitor devices. This role provides advanced engineering expertise to improve process capability, product quality, throughput, cost performance, and operational reliability. The Staff Process Engineer leads complex process improvement initiatives, supports new technology implementation, mentors junior engineers, and collaborates across Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Maintenance to drive world-class manufacturing performance.

 

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the technical owner and subject matter expert for assigned manufacturing processes and equipment.
  • Lead the development, optimization, and control of manufacturing processes to improve yield, throughput, quality, and cost performance.
  • Drive complex process improvement projects utilizing statistical analysis, DOE, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other problem-solving methodologies.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for automation, process standardization, waste reduction, and productivity improvement.
  • Lead root cause investigations for chronic manufacturing issues, customer complaints, quality escapes, and process deviations.
  • Analyze process capability and manufacturing performance data to establish improvement roadmaps and support strategic business objectives.
  • Develop, qualify, and scale new manufacturing technologies, materials, processes, and equipment from concept through production implementation.
  • Lead equipment evaluations, capital project justifications, installation activities, process validation, and production ramp-up efforts.
  • Provide technical leadership during new product introduction (NPI), ensuring robust manufacturing readiness and successful transfer to production.
  • Collaborate with Front End Engineering, Back End Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to resolve complex manufacturing challenges.
  • Establish process control strategies, key performance indicators (KPIs), and monitoring systems to ensure sustainable process performance.
  • Author and approve technical documentation, including process specifications, SOPs, work instructions, control plans, FMEAs, validation protocols, and engineering reports.
  • Support and lead risk assessments, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Participate in Daily Management (DM) meetings, production reviews, and leadership discussions, providing technical direction and escalation support.
  • Design and optimize manufacturing layouts, material flow, and production workflows to support business growth and operational efficiency.
  • Support supplier qualification activities and collaborate with vendors on equipment and process improvements.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives..

 

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Materials Science, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline).
  • Minimum 5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience, preferably within electronics, ceramics, semiconductor, medical device, aerospace, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex manufacturing process improvement and technology implementation projects.
  • Strong expertise in statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), process capability analysis, SPC, and root cause problem-solving methodologies.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement principles; Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
  • Experience supporting capital equipment selection, installation, qualification, and process validation.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and manufacturing data analysis tools.
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD software.
  • Strong understanding of process control methodologies, risk assessments, FMEA, and quality systems.
  • Ability to influence decisions and drive results across multiple functions without direct authority.
  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and technical documentation skills.
  • Proven ability to lead projects, mentor engineers, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in multilayer ceramic capacitor, ceramic processing, thin film, semiconductor, or electronic component manufacturing is highly desirable.

 

Physical Requirements:

  • 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.
  • Ability to observe small components through the use of a microscope
  • Mental and visual acuity necessary to perform duties
  • Effective coordination of manual dexterity
  • Effective concentration and coordination
Pay Range

$90,000 - $110,000 annually

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, such as Chemical, Mechanical, Materials Science, Industrial, Manufacturing, or a related discipline
  • Minimum 5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience
  • Experience leading complex manufacturing process improvement and technology implementation projects
  • Expertise in statistical analysis, Design of Experiments, process capability analysis, SPC, and root-cause problem-solving
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement principles
  • Experience supporting capital equipment selection, installation, qualification, and process validation
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and manufacturing data analysis tools
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD software
  • Understanding of process control methodologies, risk assessments, FMEA, and quality systems
  • Ability to influence decisions and drive results across multiple functions without direct authority
  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and technical documentation skills
  • Ability to lead projects, mentor engineers, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
  • Experience in electronics, ceramics, semiconductor, medical device, aerospace, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
  • Green Belt or Black Belt certification
  • Experience in multilayer ceramic capacitor, ceramic processing, thin film, semiconductor, or electronic component manufacturing

Knowles Corporation Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Knowles Corporation and has not been reviewed or approved by Knowles Corporation.

  • Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is often considered strong, with medical, dental, vision, telehealth, and wellness programs commonly highlighted. Feedback suggests these offerings are a notable plus, even if specifics vary by location and role.
  • Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match and broader financial-wellness support are emphasized and described favorably. These elements contribute to a perception of a solid, competitive benefits package.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, holidays, sick time, and family leave are frequently called out. Feedback suggests time off policies support reasonable work-life balance for many roles.

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The Company
HQ: Itasca, IL
7,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1946

What We Do

Knowles Corporation is a global leader and provider of advanced audio and precision device solutions. The company specializes in high-performance capacitors, RF and microwave filters, and micro-acoustic components, such as microphones and balanced armature speakers. It serves a wide range of demanding end markets, including consumer electronics, hearing health, medical technology, defense, aerospace, and industrial electrification.

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