Manufacturing Process Engineer (Industrial Engineer)

About the role

Are you someone who is passionate, motivated, and driven to make a difference? If so, MSA Safety is the perfect fit for your career. At MSA, safety is who we are and what we do. We are a purpose‑driven company committed to deploying innovation and technology to protect people and assets worldwide. We relentlessly solve our customers’ greatest problems so they can go home safe each day. This position is for a Manufacturing Process Engineer (Industrial Engineer) at our Murrysville, PA manufacturing plant.

Responsibilities

• Process Design: Design and optimize manufacturing processes, including but not limited to process sequence flow, line balancing, capacity planning, and production layouts, ensuring efficient, safe, and scalable operations. Lead and participate in process risk assessments, including PFMEA and ergonomics evaluations, to proactively address and mitigate safety, quality, and operational risks. Collaborate with engineering, production, and finance teams to justify CAPEX investments and select appropriate machinery. Work with cross‑functional teams (operations, facilities, finance) to scope, justify, and implement capital projects. Participate in long‑term capital investment planning to align with business growth, operations strategy, and capacity planning. Utilize simulation tools to validate process flows, resource requirements, and production efficiency. Support overall plant layout design to ensure efficient material flow, scalability, and production.
• Process Implementation: Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and visual work aids to standardize processes and improve consistency. Prepare work cells and production areas for new product introductions or process changes, ensuring readiness and minimal disruption. Provide train‑the‑trainer sessions to front‑line leaders on new processes, tools, and workflows. Partner with safety teams to ensure processes meet safety standards. Own the end‑to‑end lifecycle of capital equipment projects—from concept and design through procurement, installation, and commissioning—including TPM, business continuity, spare parts, service agreements, and training.
• Process Validation: Conduct validation studies such as time studies, measurement system analysis, and capability assessments. Attain key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE, FPY, and CPK to confirm process capability and identify improvement areas. Partner with quality teams to ensure processes meet internal standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
• Design for Manufacturability: Own manufacturing requirements for product design. Collaborate early with R&D to integrate DFM principles, ensuring products are cost‑effective, scalable, and manufacturable. Provide feedback on design feasibility, tooling requirements, and process constraints to minimize downstream issues. Work with Advanced Manufacturing and OT to review designs for automation opportunities.
• Continuous Improvement / Lean Manufacturing: Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean tools such as value stream mapping (VSM), kaizen, and standard work development. Collect and evaluate data to identify improvement opportunities. Apply problem‑solving methodologies (DoE, SPC, 5 Whys, A3, Fishbone) to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Eliminate waste while embedding sustainability and energy‑efficiency principles. Promote a culture of continuous improvement through training, coaching, and mentoring. Leverage shop‑floor data from MES, ERP, and other digital tools for analytics‑based decision‑making and process optimization. Support and maintain shop‑floor digital tools.
• Direct Production Support: Provide troubleshooting support for complex engineering problems with equipment and processes. Deliver ongoing training to relevant teams as needed. Ensure compliance with internal and external standards through regular process audits and monitoring. Maintain robust documentation and governance practices across operational processes.
• Master Data Management: Own and maintain master data in ERP systems to ensure accurate reflection of manufacturing processes. Manage data such as bills of materials (BOMs) for KMATs, consumable quantities, routings, and product cost estimates. Validate and update BOMs and routings for new and existing products, coordinating with R&D to prevent discrepancies that could impact cost, lead time, or quality. Ensure ERP data integrity to support accurate production planning, inventory management, and financial reporting. Drive continuous improvement of master data standards through best‑practice sharing.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field from an ABET‑accredited program.
• Experience Levels:
  • Staff I – 0 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Staff II – 2 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Staff III – 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Strong problem‑solving mindset with experience in Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement. Knowledge of manufacturing technologies, including machines and process equipment. Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally and communicate effectively, leading change. Strong project‑management capabilities and ability to manage multiple priorities. Continuous‑learning orientation and adaptability in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Preferred Experience: Experience with simulation software and data‑analysis tools. Exposure to manufacturing analytics and digital tools for process optimization. Familiarity with automation and robotics. Experience in