Entry Level Programming Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Entry Level Process Engineer

Job Description

The Process Engineer supports manufacturing operations and capital or maintenance projects focused on the installation, repair, and rebuild of plant equipment. This role provides day-to-day technical support to hot end processes, resolves process and equipment issues, drives continuous improvement, and ensures reliable, safe, and efficient operation of production lines and related systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support for hot end processes, including resolving process upsets, implementing process changes, and delivering training to operations personnel.
• Troubleshoot hot end processes and equipment issues and develop, implement, and follow up on both short-term and long-term corrective actions.
• Support hot end, batch house, furnace, tin bath, and lehr operations and help resolve glass quality problems as required.
• Interact with and support all systems related to hot end operations, including environmental systems, water supplies, and other plant utilities.
• Perform furnace inspections and initiate solutions to maintain, stabilize, and improve overall furnace performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with other engineers, production teams, maintenance personnel, and masons to investigate process problems and implement effective solutions.
• Coordinate with all necessary personnel during equipment repairs, rebuilds, and maintenance activities to ensure safe and efficient execution.
• Develop, prepare, and maintain up-to-date operational procedures and work instructions for relevant processes and equipment.
• Plan, prepare, and coordinate preventive maintenance activities for plant equipment to reduce downtime and improve reliability.
• Analyze process and production data to identify trends, determine root causes of issues, and recommend or implement appropriate actions.
• Support new process development initiatives and contribute to the introduction of best practices and improved methods.
• Lead or collaborate in cross-functional work teams to improve production efficiency, product quality, and maintenance performance within the plant.
• Identify and purchase materials and equipment required to support production changes, process improvements, and maintenance needs.
• Interface with CAD operators to create and detail working drawings for projects and equipment modifications.
• Set up and maintain inventory of spare parts required for new or existing equipment, including writing preventive maintenance instructions and prescribing maintenance intervals.
• Assure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations within the scope of job responsibilities.
• Provide operations assistance, participate in audits, and develop and administer best practices for process engineering and maintenance activities.
• Prepare, coordinate, supervise, and participate in repair and maintenance work as needed to support plant operations.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in process engineering within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Hands-on experience supporting maintenance activities and equipment reliability in a production setting.
• Technical knowledge of hot end processes and related operations such as batch house, furnace, tin bath, lehr operations, and glass quality troubleshooting.
• Mechanical engineering knowledge sufficient to understand, evaluate, and improve production line equipment and systems.
• Ability to analyze process and production data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable improvements.
• Proven capability to develop, update, and implement operational procedures and preventive maintenance plans.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to interact effectively with engineers, production staff, maintenance teams, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work accurately and independently while managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Skill in coordinating and supervising repair and maintenance work to ensure safe and efficient completion.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kingsport, TN.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $95000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Kingsport,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.