Thermal Process Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Process Engineer

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Employment Type: Contract

Duration: Minimum 6 months

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Job Summary

We are seeking a hands-on Process Engineer to support a high-volume, continuous-process thermal manufacturing operation. This role will focus on optimizing high-temperature forming and material flow processes while driving improvements in product quality, furnace performance, throughput, yield, and overall operational stability.

The ideal candidate has experience working in a continuous-flow manufacturing environment involving molten material handling, thermal conditioning, precision forming, annealing, and downstream process optimization. This position requires a strong floor-level presence and the ability to troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues while partnering closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and operational leadership.

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Required Skills & Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred, including Mechanical, Chemical, Materials Science, Metallurgical, or related disciplines

● Minimum of 2+ years of experience in a high-temperature continuous manufacturing environment

● Strong understanding of thermal processing and material behavior at elevated temperatures

● Knowledge of forming operations, annealing principles, and continuous manufacturing process flow

● Experience troubleshooting process-related defects and implementing corrective actions

● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

● Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting

● Strong written and verbal communication skills

● Hands-on approach to manufacturing support and problem solving

● Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, production-driven environment

● Ability to provide floor-level engineering support in a 24/7 manufacturing operation

● Ability to safely work around elevated-temperature systems, operating machinery, heat, and noise

● Ability to wear and properly utilize required personal protective equipment

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Preferred Skills & Qualifications

● Experience in continuous-flow thermal manufacturing operations

● Experience with molten material handling and high-temperature forming processes

● Experience with furnace operations, combustion systems, thermal distribution, and electric boost systems

● Experience troubleshooting annealing and controlled cooling processes

● Experience with feeder systems and forming equipment

● Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, uptime, scrap reduction, and process capability

● Experience analyzing production trends and manufacturing process data

● Experience supporting equipment changeovers and process setup optimization

● Experience working cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams

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Day-to-Day Responsibilities

● Lead continuous improvement initiatives across thermal forming and production processes, including raw material batching, melting, conditioning, forming, and controlled cooling operations

● Troubleshoot and resolve complex manufacturing defects related to surface quality, dimensional variation, distortion, stress-related breakage, and thermal inconsistencies

● Monitor and optimize critical process parameters, including furnace performance, combustion balance, thermal distribution, electric boost systems, feeder conditions, cooling profiles, and forming configurations

● Support furnace and hot-end operational stability through process analysis, equipment adjustments, and production optimization initiatives

● Drive improvements in yield, uptime, scrap reduction, energy utilization, and overall process capability

● Partner closely with Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions

● Analyze production trends and process data to improve manufacturing consistency, efficiency, and product performance

● Assist with production setup optimization, equipment changeovers, and forming parameter adjustments during production transitions

● Monitor process conditions and identify opportunities to improve product quality and operational stability

● Provide floor-level engineering support throughout a 24/7 manufacturing environment

● Work directly with operational leadership to address production, process, and equipment-related issues

● Develop and utilize data analysis to identify process trends, determine root causes, and support improvement initiatives

● Support troubleshooting efforts involving thermal processing, forming, annealing, material flow, and downstream manufacturing operations

● Maintain effective communication with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams

● Participate in continuous improvement and problem-solving activities focused on process capability, efficiency, and product quality

● Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor and provide hands-on technical support as needed

● Follow all safety procedures and maintain a safe and clean work environment

● Safely operate and work around elevated-temperature systems, machinery, and other industrial manufacturing equipment

● Utilize all required PPE and follow established environmental, health, and safety procedures

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