Associate Process Engineer

Who We Are: IPS Custom Automation is a leader in designing and delivering complex industrial systems for defense and commercial applications. Our Energetics division specializes in melt-pour explosive processing systems and advanced manufacturing solutions supporting critical national programs.

The Opportunity: We are building the next generation of technical leaders in energetics system design and manufacturing.

This role is intentionally designed for a high-potential engineer early in their career who wants to grow into a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and technical leader in complex industrial and energetic material systems.

You will work directly under senior leadership within our Energetics division, receiving hands-on mentorship while contributing to real-world system design, integration, and execution.

What You’ll Do: This job is onsite/in-office each day. You’ll also be responsible for: 

Engineering & Systems Development:

• Support design and development of industrial process systems (mechanical, thermal, fluid, and controls)
• Assist in system integration across equipment, utilities, and facility infrastructure
• Participate in design reviews and engineering decision-making

Program & Project Execution:

• Support planning and execution of complex engineering programs from concept through commissioning
• Coordinate across engineering, fabrication, and installation teams
• Help solve real-world technical challenges in manufacturing environments

Customer & Field Exposure:

• Participate in technical discussions with customers and stakeholders
• Support equipment installation, startup, and commissioning activities
• Gain exposure to full lifecycle system deployment

What We're Looking For: We are NOT looking for traditional project managers.

We are looking for someone who is:

• An engineer at heart (mechanical, chemical, systems, or similar)
• Highly curious and motivated to learn complex physical systems
• Comfortable working in hands-on, industrial environments
• Strong communicator who can grow into a technical leader
• Able to think across disciplines (process, mechanical, controls, operations)

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field
• 0–5 years of experience (internships/co-ops count)
• Exposure to manufacturing, process systems, or industrial environments preferred

Highly Desired (But Not Required) Qualifications:

• Experience with process systems (thermal, fluid, or chemical)
• Experience with manufacturing equipment or automation
• Exposure to controls or system integration
• Internship or research experience in chemical processing, industrial systems, or automation

Why This Role Is Different:

• Direct mentorship from senior technical leadership
• Clear path to Technical Program Leader or SME
• Exposure to large-scale industrial systems early in your career
• Opportunity to grow into a key technical leader within the organization

Travel: ~10% travel for installation, commissioning, and customer support

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a traditional project management role, this is not it. If you want to build deep technical expertise and grow into a leader in complex industrial systems, we want to talk to you.

What We Provide:

• Generous employer contribution to the Employee portion of medical insurance (75+%)
• Dental, Vision, and Gap insurance offered
• Employer-paid Life insurance and Short-Term Disability
• 401(k) employer match and immediately vested
• Generous paid time off policy

The information listed above is not a comprehensive list of all duties/responsibilities performed. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Any physical and mental requirements described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

IPS Custom Automation is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status