Process Engineer Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Process Improvement Engineer

Job Description

The Process Improvement Engineer plays a key role in driving continuous improvement initiatives across multiple high-speed production lines. This position focuses on improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing downtime, eliminating bottlenecks, and increasing line performance from current operating levels toward targeted efficiency goals. The engineer combines strong mechanical troubleshooting skills with process engineering expertise to identify opportunities, implement solutions, and deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, throughput, and reliability while working directly on the production floor with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to improve OEE, equipment uptime, throughput, and overall production line performance.
• Analyze production KPIs and equipment performance data to identify recurring losses, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing equipment failures and process inefficiencies in real time on the production floor.
• Drive continuous improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks throughout the production process, including filling, packaging, labeling, conveying, and automated material handling systems.
• Support changeovers and SKU transitions by optimizing machine settings, process parameters, and equipment configurations to minimize downtime and improve efficiency.
• Develop and implement creative engineering solutions that enhance productivity, product quality, and overall operational efficiency.
• Work closely with maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime through proactive engineering support.
• Conduct root cause investigations on recurring issues and implement corrective and preventive actions to sustain improvements.
• Support equipment modifications, upgrades, and process optimization efforts to improve performance and reliability.
• Assist with capital improvement projects, including equipment installations and process validation activities.
• Monitor process performance and make hands-on adjustments to machinery and production systems as needed to maintain optimal operation.
• Collaborate with operators and production leadership to sustain improvements, standardize best practices, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Provide production support through manufacturing process engineering, focusing on process optimization, bottleneck reduction, and line performance enhancement.
• Own and improve critical production lines, ensuring that improvement initiatives are aligned with plant performance goals and leadership expectations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing, chemical processing, consumer products, food production, or other high-volume production environment.
• Strong understanding of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), downtime reduction strategies, and manufacturing KPI analysis.
• Hands-on experience improving uptime, throughput, and key manufacturing performance indicators.
• Demonstrated experience with continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause failure analysis or similar tools.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot manufacturing equipment and automated production lines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting filling, packaging, bottling, labeling, conveying, or automated manufacturing systems and high-speed packaging or filling equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose equipment and process issues directly on the production floor.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Ability to manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously and prioritize work in alignment with production needs.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with high-speed filling, bottling, packaging, labeling, and conveyor systems in an automated production environment.
• Familiarity with manufacturing engineering principles related to filling machines, bottling lines, and packaging lines.
• Comfort working in a data-driven environment, using production metrics and KPIs to guide decision-making and improvement initiatives.y.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Greensboro, NC.

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $55.00/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 Greensboro,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.