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Process Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Process Development Engineering Organization Brighton, Michigan Biovire is advancing toward commercialization with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and scalable GMP ...

Manager, Process Development Engineering Organization Brighton, Michigan Biovire is advancing toward commercialization with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and scalable GMP ...

This role leads a team of Process Engineers and ensures that manufacturing processes are ... Lead training, coaching, and development of Process Engineers while promoting accountability ...

As a Product Development Engineer you will be responsible for launching new product development and ... Ensure proper application & use of standard Design processes & tools, as defined by functional ...

As a Product Development Engineer , you will be responsible for launching new product development ... Ensure proper application & use of standard Design processes & tools, as defined by functional ...

As a Product Development Engineer you will be responsible for launching new product development and ... Ensure proper application & use of standard Design processes & tools, as defined by functional ...

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Process Development Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$39.7K

$88.6K

$132.9K

How much do process development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for process development engineer in Michigan is $88,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,200.00 and $103,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process development engineer?

To thrive as a Process Development Engineer, you need a solid foundation in engineering principles, process optimization, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or MATLAB), Six Sigma methodologies, and relevant industry certifications is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you excel in cross-functional projects and drive continuous improvement. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing efficient processes, ensuring product quality, and supporting organizational competitiveness.

What is a process development engineer?

A process development engineer designs and plans production systems to be cost-effective, safe, and meet quality requirements for their industry. These professionals often work as part of a quality assurance team or a production management department for industrial companies, such as manufacturing or mining businesses. As a process development engineer, your job duties include reviewing the company's current production processes and designing modifications to the current system or creating new systems to increase productivity. Once you have installed or implemented the system, you make sure to test and troubleshoot it to ensure they run properly.

What are some common challenges faced by process development engineers when scaling up from laboratory to production environments?

One of the main challenges Process Development Engineers encounter is ensuring that processes which work efficiently at a laboratory scale can be reliably and safely replicated in full-scale manufacturing. Differences in equipment size, process dynamics, and raw material variability can lead to unforeseen issues such as inconsistent product quality or unexpected safety hazards. Effective communication and collaboration with both R&D and production teams are essential to troubleshoot problems and optimize process parameters. Engineers often need to adapt quickly, apply problem-solving skills, and implement robust validation protocols to ensure successful scale-up.

What is the difference between Process Development Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectProcess Development EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing manufacturing processes for new productsOverseeing and improving existing manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentR&D labs, pilot plants, early-stage productionProduction floors, plant operations
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, experience in process designBachelor's or higher in engineering, experience in manufacturing
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, electronics, chemicals, biotechAutomotive, consumer goods, electronics, industrial manufacturing

While both roles involve process optimization, Process Development Engineers focus on creating and refining new manufacturing processes, often in early development stages. Manufacturing Engineers typically work on maintaining and improving existing production processes to ensure efficiency and quality in ongoing operations.

What are popular job titles related to Process Development Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Process Development Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Development Engineer jobs in MI? For Process Development Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Process Development Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,564 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Manufacturing Process Development Engineer

Kelly Services

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

$69K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Kelly® Engineering is seeking a Manufacturing Process Development Engineer for a direct-hire position with a global automotive component manufacturer in Auburn Hills, MI.
Overview
Our client is a global automotive supplier that manufactures injection-molded components and is expanding into higher-value products incorporating secondary operations, automated assembly, functional testing, and integrated plastic, metallic, mechanical, and electronic content.
This position will develop the manufacturing strategy for new programs from quotation through production launch. The engineer will define complete process flows, establish equipment and automation requirements, coordinate with equipment suppliers, and ensure new assembly processes are efficient, repeatable, cost-effective, and production-ready.
Responsibilities
  • Support new programs from quotation through equipment implementation, validation, launch, and production handoff.
  • Develop end-to-end process flows covering component receipt, secondary operations, automated assembly, testing, material movement, and finished-product delivery.
  • Evaluate manufacturing concepts during quoting by estimating process steps, cycle times, labor, capacity, tooling, equipment, and production costs.
  • Define specifications for automated assembly equipment, workstations, fixtures, material-handling systems, process controls, and end-of-line testing.
  • Develop processes for assemblies incorporating plastic and metallic parts, springs, gaskets, inserts, connectors, wiring, and other mechanical or electronic content.
  • Apply automation concepts such as robotic handling, pick-and-place, component insertion, error-proofing, inspection, and functional testing.
  • Partner with equipment integrators and suppliers to review concepts, resolve technical issues, confirm requirements, and support equipment acceptance and installation.
  • Establish process controls, quality checks, functionality tests, and validation plans.
  • Collaborate with product engineering, operations, quality, maintenance, purchasing, program management, and suppliers.
  • Support equipment trials, process validation, production ramp-up, and process refinement.
  • Travel to manufacturing and supplier sites as needed, including possible domestic and international travel.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Automation, or a related engineering discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
  • Approximately five or more years of manufacturing or process engineering experience involving automated assembly, secondary operations, equipment development, or new-product launches.
  • Experience defining complete manufacturing processes for complex, multicomponent products or assemblies.
  • Ability to translate product requirements into process concepts, equipment specifications, cycle-time assumptions, and manufacturing cost estimates.
  • Knowledge of automated assembly, robotics, pick-and-place equipment, fixtures, sensors, inspection, error-proofing, and end-of-line testing. Direct robot or PLC programming is not required.
  • Experience working with automation integrators, machine builders, tooling suppliers, or manufacturing-equipment vendors.
  • Strong project ownership, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Automotive manufacturing experience—particularly involving HVAC, powertrain, transmission, interior, under-hood, or electromechanical assemblies—is preferred.
  • Experience integrating plastic, metallic, mechanical, electrical, or electronic components through automated assembly operations is preferred.
  • Familiarity with injection molding and automotive launch or quality tools such as APQP, PFMEA, control plans, capability studies, and production validation is beneficial.

What happens next
Once you apply, you’ll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. Even if this position is not the right match, you’ll remain in the Kelly Engineering network, giving our team of engineering recruiters access to your profile for future opportunities.
 
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we’re here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.