Internship Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Michigan

As a Process Engineer III in manufacturing, you will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining manufacturing processes to ensure the efficient production of high-quality products. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to solve difficult technical, engineering-related problems. You will drive continuous improvement initiatives and implement new technologies to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. You will drive fundamental process understanding and lowest manufacturing cost.

• Contributes to line, department, and plant performance through active involvement in both production and process development activities.
  
• Applies structured and methodical problem-solving techniques to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and drive sustainable improvements. Provides technical guidance and coaching to fellow engineers in problem-solving methodologies.
  
• Develops deep technical understanding of critical process steps through rigorous analysis and application of engineering principles. Understands the relationship between process and equipment inputs and their impact on product quality and performance.
  
• Utilizes statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), and data-driven methodologies to solve process issues and optimize manufacturing performance.
  
• Analyzes process and equipment data using PI Vision and other machine-data platforms to support process monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
• Proactively identifies gaps in work instructions, standard operating procedures, and process setups. Leads improvements through documented change-control processes and ensures updated standards are implemented, maintained, and followed.
  
• Supports new product introductions through equipment installation, process qualification, documentation development, operator training, and process certification activities.
  
• Documents process knowledge and technical learnings to build organizational capability, including process development plans, engineering reviews, and continuous knowledge-sharing activities.
  
• Provides daily engineering support to manufacturing operations, ensuring stable process performance, rapid issue resolution, and achievement of production objectives.
  
• Collaborates closely with operators and production leadership to understand operational challenges, communicate priorities, and drive execution of improvement plans. Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills.
  

• Leads or participates in continuous improvement projects focused on reducing cost, downtime, and defects while improving yield, quality, productivity, and overall operational performance.
  
• Develops and delivers training for production personnel on new equipment, processes, procedures, and best practices.
  
• Establishes and maintains Subject Matter Expert (SME) knowledge in designated areas of materials, manufacturing processes, and equipment technologies.
  
• Ensures compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Identifies potential hazards, implements risk mitigation strategies, and promotes a culture of safety throughout manufacturing operations.

• Standard Hours (Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm).
  
• Managing a 24/7 plant structure, so support when needed.
  
• Part of the on-call support rotation schedule,

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Material Science & Engineering
• 10 years of experience working as an engineer in manufacturing

• Can take routine data retrieval and analysis and develop a standard methodology. Seeks process variability reduction and drives to root causes of special cause variation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to facilitate problem solving teams and delegate tasks to others in the pursuit of a solution. Results oriented and committed to deliver.
• Able to handle multiple complex tasks and set priorities with multiple internal customers.
• Has a thorough understanding of and can practice Process Control and Discipline. Can discern when to follow SOP, and when SOP no longer applies, and additional stakeholder input may be necessary.

• Strong working knowledge of MS Excel, including formulas and graphing functions.
• Demonstrated leadership or strong teamwork in accomplishing common goals.
• Practical experience with basic statistics, a track record of identifying sources of variation.
• Production or technical supervisory experience.
• DMAIC (or six sigma) green belt certification.

• Ability to work within a team environment (strong team player).
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Proven self-starter - able to effectively manage high levels of uncertainty and change.