Process Engineer

Job Title: Process Engineer - Coating Applications

Job Description

This role focuses on leading process engineering and continuous improvement activities within the coating application area of a manufacturing facility. The process engineer takes improvement ideas from initial concept through full implementation, working hands-on with coating equipment and capital projects. This position supports production by implementing and optimizing coating processes, ensuring adherence to ISO/QS procedures, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality, reliable results.

Responsibilities

• Work hands-on in the coating application area of the facility to support and improve production processes.
• Take improvement ideas from conception through implementation, including planning, testing, and validation of process changes.
• Lead and direct cross-functional improvement teams to identify, prioritize, and execute process enhancements.
• Manage capital projects from justification and specification through purchasing, installation, and debugging of equipment.
• Work with mixing, roll coating, curtain coating, silk screening, ovens, and related environmental systems to ensure optimal performance.
• Understand, implement, and improve coating formulations and processes developed at the division level as needed for local operations.
• Develop, maintain, and follow ISO/QS-based procedures and instructions, including APQP-related documentation and practices.
• Collaborate with internal and external groups, including engineering, production, quality, and suppliers, to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Use CAD and other Windows-based software tools to support process design, documentation, and equipment layout.
• Support the transition and scaling of new production work into the facility by ensuring processes are robust, efficient, and compliant.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues in the coating area and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and quality within the manufacturing environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Chemical minor.
• Hands-on experience in process engineering or process improvement within a manufacturing or coating environment.
• Knowledge of coating processes such as mixing, roll coating, curtain coating, silk screening, and oven curing.
• Experience managing or supporting capital projects, including justification, specification, purchasing, installation, and debugging of equipment.
• Ability to work effectively within an ISO/QS-based environment and follow documented procedures and instructions, including APQP practices.
• Proven computer skills in Windows-based programs and CAD software for process design and documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to work with mechanical systems and equipment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with internal and external groups.
• Ability to lead and direct improvement teams and collaborate across functions to drive process enhancements.
• Comfort working on the production floor in a coating and stamping environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with polymers, PTFE, and rubber compounds.
• Experience with fluoroelastomer materials and processes.
• Strong team player who collaborates effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Experience in automotive or similar high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with ISO/QS documentation requirements and continuous improvement methodologies.

Work Environment

The role is based in an automotive stamping environment that includes multiple coating lines and related production equipment. The process engineer spends time both in an office setting for design, documentation, and project planning, and on the production floor working directly with mixing systems, roll coating, curtain coating, silk screening, ovens, and environmental equipment. The environment follows ISO/QS-based procedures and APQP practices, emphasizing quality, safety, and consistency. The position requires comfort working around active production lines, machinery, and industrial materials, and involves close collaboration with production, maintenance, and quality teams as new production work is introduced and scaled within the facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Danville, KY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Danville,KY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.