Process Engineer

Job Title: Process EngineerJob Description

The Process Engineer plays a central role in the daily operations of a high-volume manufacturing facility and serves as a key member of the plant leadership team. This position focuses on optimizing plant output, reducing downtime and scrap, improving process control, enhancing material utilization, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. The Process Engineer provides technical problem-solving support, develops and standardizes engineering procedures, and drives operational excellence across the manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Drive optimization of plant output, including throughput improvement, process efficiency, and material utilization across the manufacturing facility.
• Lead efforts to reduce downtime, scrap, and process variation through robust process engineering and data-driven problem solving.
• Analyze manufacturing metrics such as scrap rates, downtime, material usage, line speeds, process capability, and overall plant performance to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain engineering procedures and process controls that support consistent, high-quality production.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM, FMEA, DOE, and other structured methodologies.
• Conduct root cause analysis on process issues, quality problems, and equipment-related downtime, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain a strong presence on the plant floor, working directly with operators, supervisors, maintenance, and production teams to solve problems and drive improvements.
• Support HSE and safety compliance by promoting safe manufacturing practices, participating in incident investigations, and contributing to hazard reduction and safety initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to lead cost reduction, efficiency, quality, and productivity improvement projects that deliver measurable results.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, ensuring deadlines are met and improvements are sustained.
• Communicate effectively with production, maintenance, and leadership teams to influence change, gain buy-in, and drive results through others.
• Use analytical and troubleshooting skills to interpret manufacturing data, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and safety on the plant floor.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor"s degree in Engineering required, preferably in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of manufacturing or process engineering experience, ideally 7-10+ years, in a high-volume or continuous manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in manufacturing engineering and process engineering, with a focus on downtime reduction, scrap reduction, throughput improvement, and process optimization.
• Proven continuous improvement experience, including practical use of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM, FMEA, DOE, and data-driven problem solving.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze manufacturing metrics such as scrap, downtime, material usage, line rates, process capability, and overall plant performance.
• Strong HSE and safety experience, including supporting regulatory compliance, safety initiatives, incident investigations, hazard reduction, and safe manufacturing practices.
• Hands-on manufacturing experience with a strong presence on the production floor and the ability to work directly with operators, supervisors, maintenance, and production teams.
• Track record of leading cost reduction, efficiency, quality, and productivity improvement initiatives that deliver measurable results.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills applied to manufacturing and process challenges.
• Ability to multitask, manage competing priorities, and perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence teams and drive results through others.
• Results-oriented and deadline-driven, with the ability to take ownership of projects and drive them to successful completion.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Exposure to industrial controls, automation, PLCs, sensors, or manufacturing technology is a plus, though not the primary focus of the role.
• Industry background is flexible as long as experience comes from a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with PVC, plastics, or extrusion processes is preferred but not required.
• CAD experience is a plus but not a hiring requirement.
• Controls and automation knowledge is beneficial but not expected to be the candidate"s primary skill set.
• Strong interest in manufacturing process improvement, safety, continuous improvement, and plant-floor engagement.
• Ability to lead through influence and build strong relationships across production, maintenance, and leadership teams.

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite, hands-on role based in a manufacturing facility in Leola, PA, with a mix of office work and extensive plant-floor responsibilities. The Process Engineer spends significant time on the production floor, collaborating closely with operators, maintenance personnel, and leadership teams to address issues and implement improvements. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is regularly used in accordance with safety and HSE standards. The environment is fast-paced and focused on high-volume production, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Travel requirements are minimal and generally limited to an annual team meeting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Leola, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $97000.00 - $118000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical/Dental/Vision - eligible on day 1 Vacation eligible first year (pro-rated); second year 80 hours Floating Holiday eligible first year (pro-rated); second year 24 hours Paid Holidays 401K matching up to 4%; annual employer contribution 3% Quarterly Incentive Program - earn up to 8% of quarterly earnings Annual Profit Sharing up to 5% of annual base pay Life Insurance - employer cover up to 2x base pay AD&D insurance - employer cover up to 2x base pay Paid Caregiver Leave - up to 5 days per year for Caregiver Leave (i.e. taking eligible family member to doctor's appointment); up to 2 weeks per year for Parental Leave (i.e. baby bonding) Paid Short-term and Long-term Disability

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Leola,PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.