Operations Process Manager Jobs in La Porte, IN (NOW HIRING)

At Tenneco, we don't follow industry standards; we set them, and we don't settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it's our Core Values - radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win - or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we're determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.

With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we're all about getting stuff done, so we can win.

How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It's what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.

Here, you'll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you're ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you'll thrive here.

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The Process Engineer serves as the manufacturing lead for customer-requested product variations and engineering changes, ensuring modifications are successfully evaluated, implemented, documented, and sustained within production operations. This position works closely with the customer, production, maintenance, quality, manufacturing engineering, and operations teams to optimize welding operations, resolve technical issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives. This position is also responsible for contributing to a safe workplace and minimizing negative impacts by complying with the EHS policies, procedures, work instructions outlined in the EHSMS Training Assessment for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads implementation of customer-requested product variations, engineering changes, and specification updates within the Weld Department.
• Serves as the primary manufacturing representative for customer-driven product changes, coordinating activities across Production, Quality, Weld Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Program Management.
• Evaluates the impact of proposed changes on manufacturing processes, labor requirements, tooling, equipment, quality, capacity, and cost.
• Develops and executes implementation plans to ensure successful integration of product variations with minimal disruption to production.
• Coordinates process trials, validations, and production readiness activities related to customer changes.
• Ensures all required process documentation, work instructions, APQP, PFMEAs, Control Plans, and standard work are updated to reflect approved changes.
• Tracks change implementation timelines and communicate project status to internal stakeholders and customers as required.
• Supports customer audits, visits, and communications regarding manufacturing readiness and process capability.
• Champions new program launches by developing manufacturing processes and production readiness plans.
• Assists in equipment and tooling validation activities.
• Ensures production processes are capable of meeting customer requirements.
• Analyzes and improves manufacturing processes to reduce waste, improve throughput, and increase productivity.
• Conducts time studies and labor analysis to establish and improve production standards.
• Identifies bottlenecks and implements solutions to improve workflow and process efficiency.
• Supports value stream mapping and process flow optimization projects.
• Utilizes root cause analysis tools to identify and eliminate recurring process issues.
• Drives cost reduction initiatives related to labor, scrap, rework, and consumable usage.

GENERAL DUTIES:

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS:

• Promotes and actively supports a safety-first workplace culture, identifies and reports unsafe conditions, and stops work when necessary to ensure safety.
• All team members abide by the location's Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policy which is enforced by the local leadership, complies with the legal and other requirements and operational controls established under its EHSMS, works towards achieving established objectives and targets, and conforms to procedures consistent with the ISO 14001 standard. 
• All team members will understand all the environmental aspects of his/her job. An employee should report, and if necessary, stop any activity that does not conform to the policy or may injure himself/herself.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Identifies and addresses non-conforming work, materials, or procedures within a timely manner
• Each team member has the authority to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of non-conformities relating to the product, process and quality system and has the authority to stop further work on non-conforming suspect product until the deficiency or conditions have been corrected.
• Takes ownership of work by demonstrating accountability for results and being honest and transparent when things do not go to plan.
• Follows 5S principles by maintaining, cleaning, organizing, and improving the areas. Also, by making suggestions to get to the next level of excellence and then doing it again.

CORE EXPECTATIONS:

• Consistently meets high standards of safety, quality, integrity, and performance.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrates a willingness to hold tough conversations with others while seeking first to understand, speaking with respect, and with the purpose of making things better.
• Supports the leadership team as needed to meet the plant and business unit objectives.

1. All other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related engineering discipline).

EXPERIENCE

• 5 years of progressively responsible process engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvements that reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance product quality.
• Experience developing standardized work, process controls, and operating procedures.
• Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Understand PLC software for machines.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot production issues and implement sustainable engineering solutions Minimum of five years' experience in the Manufacturing Engineering field.

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Certification preferred. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Project management and organizational capability

• Experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project and PowerPoint.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Skilled in Pro/Engineer software and other advanced computer software
• Capable of efficiently integrating existing methods with new innovation to economically solve manufacturing problems.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

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.

• Manufacturing plant environment with regular exposure to welding, fabrication, and production areas.
• Use of appropriate PPE required.
• Occasional off-shift or weekend support may be required based on business needs.
• Must be able to lift, push, and/or pull up to 60 pounds occasionally.
• On a continuous basis must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to make occasional trips to manufacturing sites and customers by air and by automobile.
• Able to be on call 24/7 for customer and manufacturing sites or operations emergency support.
• Able and willing to work around fuel mixtures, moving parts, and electrical power.
• Able to mentally visualize and comprehend all aspects of manufacturing equipment and/or tooling problems and be attentive to detail.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities