Operations Process Engineer

Job Summary

The Operations Process Engineer is responsible for supporting day-to-day manufacturing operations, improving production processes, increasing equipment reliability, and driving continuous improvement initiatives within the Wheel Plant. This role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to maximize safety, throughput, yield, and equipment uptime. The engineer serves as a hands-on technical resource for production, leading root cause investigations, implementing process improvements, supporting new equipment integration, and developing sustainable manufacturing processes that improve operational performance and support business growth.

Operations & Production Support

• Provide daily technical support to manufacturing operations to improve safety, quality, throughput, and yield.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for process, equipment, and production-related issues.
• Analyze production performance and identify opportunities to reduce downtime, scrap, and process variation.
• Support 24/7 manufacturing operations by developing sustainable corrective actions to recurring issues.
• Work closely with production leadership to identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks.

Process Improvement & Manufacturing Excellence

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on capacity, cycle time reduction, labor efficiency, and waste elimination.
• Develop and implement process controls, standard work, and manufacturing best practices.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, problem-solving tools, and data analysis to improve operational performance.
• Conduct root cause analysis and corrective action investigations related to quality and production concerns.
• Monitor key manufacturing metrics and develop action plans to achieve performance targets.

Equipment Reliability & Engineering Support

• Support equipment commissioning, startup, and validation activities.
• Partner with Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
• Lead equipment improvement projects and support future capital investments.
• Cookordinate with external vendors and internal stakeholders on equipment upgrades and process modifications.
• Support automation and controls troubleshooting when required.

New Process & Product Introduction

• Support introduction of new manufacturing processes, equipment, and products into production.
• Develop operating procedures, training materials, and process documentation.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, and R&D to ensure successful implementation of process changes.

Required Technical Skills

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related technical discipline, or equivalent manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing, production engineering, process engineering, or operations engineering role.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Experience with FactoryTalk, HMI systems, and industrial automation.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.

Physical Demands

• Medium work: lifting up to 50 lbs. occasionally and up to 20 lbs. frequently.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, kneel, and work near industrial equipment.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and around electrical systems as required.