Process Engineer Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining the production processes related to coating and film manufacturing to ensure stable quality, efficiency, and safety. This role works cross-functionally with R&D, quality, equipment, and production teams to implement continuous process improvements, support new product introduction, and drive operational excellence through data-driven analysis and lean methodologies.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Process Development and Optimization

• Design, develop, and refine coating process parameters, workflows, and operating standards based on product and customer requirements.
• Conduct process capability studies and optimize production parameters to improve yield, reduce defects, and enhance efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement projects focusing on cost reduction, cycle time, and process stability.

2. Process Validation and New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Lead process validation, pilot trials, and sampling during the introduction of new materials or products.
• Analyze test results and production data to validate process capability and identify improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D to transfer laboratory processes to mass production effectively.

3. Production and Technical Support

• Provide technical guidance to production teams on process control, coating material handling, and equipment operation.
• Troubleshoot production issues and lead root cause analyses to maintain stable production performance.
• Ensure processes operate within specified limits and maintain compliance with quality standards.

4. Equipment and Material Management

• Support installation, calibration, and optimization of coating and related process equipment.
• Evaluate, select, and test coating materials, solvents, and additives to meet production and quality requirements.
• Work with equipment vendors to improve machine reliability and process capability.

5. Quality, Safety, and Compliance

• Collaborate with the QA team to analyze coating-related defects and implement corrective/preventive measures.
• Ensure all processes comply with environmental, safety, and occupational health regulations.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and ISO/5S/lean compliance reviews.

6. Data Analysis and Documentation

• Collect, analyze, and interpret process data using statistical tools to support decision-making.
• Develop and maintain detailed process documentation, SOPs, and work instructions.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and improvement proposals.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with R&D, Quality, Production, and Procurement teams to align process and product goals.
• Provide technical support for customer sampling, validation, and technical communications.

8. Continuous Improvement & Training

• Promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the process engineering team.
• Mentor and train process technicians and production operators on best practices and process standards.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or above in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of experience in process engineering within coating, film, or precision manufacturing industries.
• Language: Proficiency in English; bilingual ability in Chinese preferred.
• Technical Skills:
• Familiar with coating, surface treatment, or thin-film manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of process equipment, materials, and parameters.
• Experience with process debugging, optimization, and validation.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, and DOE methodologies.
• Tools & Systems:
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience with ISO quality management systems and 5S implementation.
• Soft Skills:
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities across departments.
• High sense of responsibility, adaptability, and willingness to work in a dynamic production environment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and perform under pressure.