Process Engineer - Talent Wave Associates, LLC

This position is responsible for developing and optimizing processes for new products, ensuring smooth transitions from concept through full-scale production. The Product/Process Engineer works closely with product development, quality, and production teams to establish efficient, repeatable, and scalable manufacturing processes that meet the company's quality and performance standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• New Product Introduction (NPI) Process Development:
  • Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes for new glass products from design concept to production readiness.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, design, quality, and production to ensure manufacturability, process capability, and production efficiency.
  • Develop detailed process documentation, including work instructions, control plans, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Process Validation and Testing:
  • Conduct process validation and qualification (IQ, OQ, PQ) for new products to ensure that manufacturing processes meet product requirements and specifications.
  • Oversee trial runs and prototype builds, ensuring processes are stable, repeatable, and capable of meeting quality and performance standards.
  • Analyze data from trial runs and implement corrective actions to resolve any process issues before full-scale production begins.
• Tooling and Equipment Design:
  • Work with design engineers and tooling suppliers to ensure that tools, molds, and fixtures meet production requirements and tolerances.
  • Provide input on the selection of equipment for new product lines, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and quality.
• Continuous Improvement and Process Optimization:
  • Use Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to identify opportunities for process improvement during the NPI phase.
  • Optimize process flows, reduce waste, and improve cycle times to ensure efficient manufacturing and cost control.
  • Support cost-reduction initiatives without compromising product quality or performance.
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support:
  • Act as a liaison between design, engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure successful product launches.
  • Provide feedback on product designs to ensure ease of manufacturing and assembly (DFM/DFA) considerations are integrated into new product designs.
  • Collaborate with the quality team to ensure that quality standards and inspection criteria are met for new products.
• Process Documentation and Standardization:
  • Develop and maintain process documentation, ensuring clear and accurate records for all new product introductions.
  • Standardize processes across multiple production lines or facilities as needed, ensuring consistency in manufacturing practices.
• Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting:
  • Quickly identify and resolve process or product issues during the NPI phase, using root cause analysis and corrective action techniques.
  • Implement robust solutions to prevent recurring issues and ensure production stability.
• Project Management:
  • Manage NPI project timelines and deliverables, ensuring that all activities are completed on time and within budget.
  • Track progress and communicate updates to internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment across departments.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field is required.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a process engineering or manufacturing engineering role, preferably in the glass, automotive, or similar industries.
  • Previous experience with new product introduction, including process validation and optimization, is required.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including thermal forming, bending, lamination, or other glass-related processes is preferred.
  • Proficiency in CAD software for reviewing and modifying tooling designs.
  • Thorough understanding of AIAG standards.
  • Tier 1, OE Automotive experience.
  • Demonstrated understanding of APQP launch process.
  • Familiarity with process validation techniques (IQ, OQ, PQ), Lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Ability to work with precision equipment, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement effective process controls.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.