Process Engineer Jobs in Lexington, KY (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Process Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on leading process engineering activities within the coating application area of a manufacturing facility. The process engineer works hands-on on the production floor to take improvement ideas from initial concept through full implementation. The position manages capital projects across their full lifecycle and ensures that coating processes are understood, implemented, and continuously improved in an ISO/QS-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Work hands-on in the coating application area of the facility, actively supporting production and process improvement on the manufacturing floor.
• Take process improvement ideas from conception through design, testing, and full implementation in production.
• Lead and manage capital projects from justification and specification through purchasing, installation, and debugging of equipment.
• Work with and optimize equipment such as mixing systems, roll coating lines, curtain coating systems, silk screening equipment, ovens, and related environmental systems.
• Understand, implement, and improve coatings that are primarily developed at the division level, ensuring they meet performance and quality requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and follow procedures and instructions, including those related to Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Direct and lead cross-functional improvement teams to achieve process, quality, and productivity goals.
• Prepare and maintain ISO documentation and other quality system records to support an ISO/QS-based environment.
• Collaborate with internal and external groups, communicating clearly on technical issues, project status, and process changes.
• Use CAD and other computer-based tools to support process design, equipment layout, and project documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in process engineering, focusing on safety, quality, efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues on coating lines and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, or a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Chemical Engineering or chemistry-related studies.
• Experience in process engineering or process improvement within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Knowledge of chemical engineering principles, particularly as they apply to coatings and related processes.
• Experience with process improvement methodologies and the ability to take projects from concept through implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage capital projects, including justification, specification, purchasing, installation, and debugging.
• Familiarity with coating processes such as mixing, roll coating, curtain coating, silk screening, and oven-based curing.
• Proficiency with Windows-based computer programs and CAD software.
• Ability to work effectively within an ISO/QS-based environment and maintain ISO documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of mechanical systems used in coating and manufacturing operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external groups.
• Ability to lead and direct improvement teams and collaborate across functions.
• Comfort working hands-on in a production environment and on the manufacturing floor.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong team player who collaborates effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Previous experience with polymers, PTFE, and rubber compounds.
• Experience with fluoroelastomer materials and related processes.
• Knowledge and experience with UV-cured coatings.
• Experience working with APQP procedures and instructions.
• Exposure to automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments.

Work Environment

The role is based in an automotive stamping environment that includes multiple coating lines and related processing equipment. The process engineer spends significant time on the production floor, working directly with mixing systems, roll coating lines, curtain coating systems, silk screening equipment, ovens, and associated environmental systems. The work environment follows ISO/QS standards and emphasizes structured procedures, documentation, and continuous improvement. The position requires comfort working around active production equipment, noise, and typical industrial conditions while collaborating closely with production, maintenance, and quality teams.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Danville, KY.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $65.00/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 Danville,KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 26, 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.