Process Optimization Manager Jobs in Connecticut

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The Director of Process Engineering is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and scale-up of manufacturing processes to support Mott Corporation's growth across Semiconductor, Aerospace & Defense, and Industrial markets. This role drives process stability, improves yield and cost performance, and ensures successful industrialization of new products.
Reporting to senior operations leadership, the Director will lead a team of process engineers and collaborate closely with Operations, R&D, and Quality to deliver reliable, scalable manufacturing processes for highly technical and mission-critical applications.
Key Responsibilities
1. Market-Aligned Process Development
Lead process engineering efforts aligned to Mott's three core markets, ensuring each manufacturing environment meets its unique requirements:

• Ultra-high purity, contamination-free manufacturing for Semiconductor customers
• High-reliability and regulated production for Aerospace & Defense programs
• Efficient, scalable production for Industrial markets
• Ensure all processes meet customer, regulatory, and product performance requirements
• Drive alignment between process capability and market-specific technical demands

2. Process Optimization & Manufacturing Support
Own process performance metrics and drive continuous improvement across all assigned manufacturing areas:

• Yield and First Pass Yield (FPY) improvement
• Throughput optimization and cycle time reduction
• Scrap and rework reduction programs
• Lead root cause analysis and structured problem-solving for manufacturing and quality issues
• Standardize and document processes, work instructions, and best practices

3. New Product Introduction (NPI) & Scale-Up
Partner with R&D and cross-functional teams to accelerate new product industrialization:

• Lead Design-for-Manufacturability (DFM) reviews and production readiness activities
• Support transition from R&D to production, ensuring robust and repeatable processes
• Implement and enforce APQP, PFMEA, and process validation disciplines
• Collaborate across functions to accelerate time-to-market for new programs

4. Process Capability & Technology Development
Drive advancement of core manufacturing technologies:

• Develop and improve manufacturing processes in advanced materials processing (e.g., powder metals, sintering, purification)
• Optimize precision machining and fabrication capabilities
• Enhance cleaning and assembly processes for high-spec environments
• Support evaluation and implementation of new equipment, tooling, and automation
• Drive continuous improvement in process capability and repeatability

5. Continuous Improvement & Performance Management

• Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve productivity and reduce cost
• Establish process KPI dashboards and drive accountability to performance targets
• Identify and execute cost-out and efficiency improvement initiatives

6. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Process Engineers
• Build technical capabilities aligned to Semiconductor, A&D, and Industrial needs
• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Partner with leadership to recruit and retain top technical talent

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role demands tight integration with the broader organization:

• Operations - support daily manufacturing execution and escalation resolution
• R&D / Engineering - ensure smooth technology transfer and DFM alignment
• Quality - ensure process control, validation, and regulatory compliance
• Engage in customer-facing technical discussions for complex applications as needed

Key Performance Metrics
Success in this role will be measured against the following metrics:
Key Metric Description
Yield / FPY Improvement
First Pass Yield targets across Semiconductor, A&D, and Industrial lines
Process Capability (Cp/Cpk)
Statistical process control where applicable; drives repeatability
Cycle Time Reduction
Throughput improvements and bottleneck elimination
Scrap & Cost Reduction
Waste elimination via Lean and Six Sigma initiatives
NPI Launch Success & Speed
On-time, on-spec new product introductions with validated processes
Process Stability & Repeatability
Standardized work instructions and documented best practices
Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• 10-15 years of progressive experience in process engineering within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience in at least one of the following sectors:

• Semiconductor or high-purity manufacturing
• Aerospace & Defense or regulated production environments
• Advanced industrial / engineered product manufacturing

• Strong background in process development, scale-up, and industrialization
• Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis and structured problem-solving (e.g., 8D, DMAIC)
• Hands-on experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma)
• Proven track record of leading and developing technical engineering teams
• Experience with APQP, PFMEA, and process validation disciplines

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to multiple target markets (Semiconductor, A&D, and Industrial) within a single organization
• Familiarity with filtration, flow control, or advanced materials products
• Experience in cleanroom or contamination-sensitive process environments
• Background in highly regulated or high-spec production settings
• Experience operating within multi-site or global manufacturing organizations
• Advanced degree (M.S. or MBA) in a relevant engineering or business discipline

Leadership Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following characteristics:
Execution-Focused
Drives tangible process improvements with measurable, trackable outcomes
Technically Strong
Capable of diagnosing and solving complex, multi-variable manufacturing challenges
Hands-On Leader
Engages directly with the factory floor and engineering teams - not a remote leader
Collaborative
Works effectively across functions; builds trust with Operations, R&D, and Quality peers
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Relentlessly improves processes and performance; never satisfied with the status quo
Talent Builder
Invests in the growth and development of team members at all levels
About Mott Corporation
Mott Corporation is a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision porous metal products and advanced filtration solutions. With decades of innovation, Mott serves customers across the most demanding markets - including Semiconductor, Aerospace & Defense, Life Sciences, and Industrial applications - where performance, purity, and reliability are non-negotiable.
Mott's manufacturing capabilities include advanced powder metallurgy, sintering, precision machining, and controlled-environment assembly - making process engineering a strategic and highly visible function within the organization.
This is an opportunity to join a company where engineering excellence directly translates to customer and business outcomes - and where the Director of Process Engineering plays a central role in that value chain.
Mott Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?
Total Rewards
The compensation range for this position is $158,600.00 - $237,800.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.
Benefits Package
Our comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/
IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.
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