Process & Controls Engineer

Laramie, Wyoming | Full-Time, In-Person | Reports to: Director of Engineering

Position Overview

Tungsten Parts Wyoming (TPW) is a Laramie-based manufacturer of tungsten heavy alloy components for defense, aerospace, and specialty industrial applications. We are seeking a hands-on Process & Controls Engineer to drive measurable gains in throughput, yield, and uptime across our manufacturing operations. This role reports directly to the Director of Engineering and sits at the intersection of automation, controls, and lean process improvement — owning PLC programming, automation deployment, and waste elimination on the shop floor. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable commissioning equipment, programming Allen-Bradley and Siemens systems, and making the capital justification to leadership. Defense, aerospace, or specialty materials manufacturing experience is strongly preferred; experience with tungsten heavy alloy or powder metallurgy is a significant differentiator.

Responsibilities

· Audit current manufacturing operations and deliver a prioritized improvement roadmap with projected impact on yield, cycle time, and cost.

· Deliver measurable process improvements with documented before/after data on yield, cycle time, scrap, or labor efficiency.

· Program, commission, and optimize PLC-controlled systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent), including documentation, operator training, and maintenance procedures.

· Design and deploy automation and controls solutions — robotic cells, sensor integration, conveyors, automated inspection — that reduce manual labor hours or improve throughput.

· Build and maintain standardized work instructions and process documentation for critical manufacturing operations.

· Reduce unplanned downtime on critical equipment through preventive maintenance programs, root cause analysis, and controls improvements.

· Develop prototype-to-production transition templates that standardize integration, work instructions, rollout readiness, and sustained performance monitoring.

· Communicate clearly across technical levels — from shop-floor operators to engineering and executive leadership.

What Success Looks Like

· You move with urgency and bring solutions before being asked.

· You document your work so others can maintain and build on it.

· You own problems end-to-end — including when equipment goes down outside business hours.

· You make progress and sound decisions when requirements and data are incomplete.

· You treat the shop floor as your primary workplace, not a place you visit.

· You find root cause before applying fixes, and you don't blame operators for process failures.

Working Conditions

Manufacturing environment with regular exposure to machining operations, noise, and required PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes). Work is split between the production floor and an engineering office. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work safely near operating equipment. Travel up to 10% for vendor visits, supplier development, training, and industry events.

Export Control Requirement (ITAR / EAR)

This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.62) — U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Compensation & Benefits

· Competitive Salary

· Full-time, exempt

· Health, dental, and vision insurance

· 401(k) with company match

· Paid time off

· Location: Laramie, WY (on-site)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tungsten Parts Wyoming is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related engineering field.

· Hands-on PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).

· Demonstrated experience designing and deploying automation or controls solutions in a manufacturing environment.

· Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, process improvement, and root cause analysis methodology.

· Comfortable working on the production floor and commissioning equipment.

· Strong written and verbal communication, with discipline around documentation.

· Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR (see Export Control Requirement below).

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with HMI development, SCADA systems, and industrial networking.

· Background in defense, aerospace, powder metallurgy, or specialty materials manufacturing.

· Experience with robotics integration (FANUC, ABB, Universal Robots, or equivalent).

· Six Sigma certification or equivalent formal training in process improvement.

· Data analysis skills in Excel, Minitab, Python, or equivalent; experience with SPC.