Process Engineer in Marinette, Wisconsin at KS Large Bore Pistons LLC

Job Summary:

The Process Engineer drives operational excellence and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization. This role partners with production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain to implement best-in-class processes, eliminate waste, and elevate product quality.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Identify process inefficiencies and quality gaps – develop structured improvement plans with measurable outcomes
• Influence stakeholders at all levels – operators, supervisors, and department managers to embrace and sustain change
• Champion and foster a culture of continuous improvement through, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen events, and value stream mapping
• Collaborate with quality, maintenance, supply chain, and tooling/engineering teams to align process changes with organizational goals and customer specifications
• Lead multiple concurrent projects from concept through implementation, managing scope, schedule, budget, and risk using formal project management methodologies (PMP, DMAIC, or equivalent)
• Develop project plans, milestone trackers, and stakeholder communications – escalate risks proactively
• Work with cross-functional teams on CapEx projects related to new equipment, tooling, and facility improvements
• Interact with contractors and vendors to facilitate obtaining proposals and quotes, utilize support, arrange and procure services and materials
• Design and deliver process trainings for operators, technicians, and department personnel on new or updated procedures, equipment and manufacturing standards
• Collaborate with department teams to develop clear, visual work instructions and job aids that support on-the-floor learning and enable consistent execution of standard processes across all shifts
• Mentor cross-functional team members on process engineering tools, problem-solving methodologies, and continuous improvement techniques

Required Skills/Abilities

• Process engineering expertise – metal machining or automotive components experience preferred
• Proficiency in Lean and Six Sigma Tools (Green Belt minimum; Black Belt preferred) – DMAIC, 5S, SMED, TPM, value stream mapping
• Proven ability to act as a change agent – building alignment, navigating resistance, and sustaining operational change over time
• Skilled at influencing without direct authority – earning trust and motivating colleagues across varying roles and experience levels
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis
• Experience working with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, particularly SAP
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects
• Experience developing/managing projects to include project scope, schedule, budget, etc.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering required

Physical Requirements

• Work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures, moderate to loud noise, and exposure to cutting fluids, metal chips/dust, and industrial odors; PPE required and provided
• Ability to stand and work on a manufacturing plant floor for extended period
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 35 pounds
• Ability to stoop, kneel, or crouch when inspecting equipment, tooling or workstations at floor level