The Process Group Manufacturing Engineer is the technical owner for assigned manufacturing processes. This role develops deep expertise in specific manufacturing technologies (e.g., welding, pressing, honing) and is responsible for improving process capability, eliminating chronic losses, and establishing robust manufacturing standards.
While working with the Line Planner, who focuses on daily production execution, the Process Group focuses on long-term technical excellence. They lead root cause investigations, optimize manufacturing processes, implement new technologies, and ensure manufacturing processes remain capable, reliable, and competitive.
Key Responsibilities
Process Ownership
- Serve as the technical owner for assigned manufacturing processes.
- Develop expert knowledge of process parameters, equipment capabilities, and failure modes.
- Define and maintain process standards to ensure consistent manufacturing performance.
Technical Problem Solving
- Lead investigations of chronic or complex manufacturing issues.
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, A3, DOE, SPC, PFMEA).
- Develop permanent corrective actions that eliminate recurring problems.
Continuous Improvement
- Lead projects to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
- Optimize cycle time, process capability, yield, and equipment utilization.
- Evaluate and implement process improvements using data-driven decision making.
Process Development & Standardization
- Develop and maintain technical standards, control plans, PFMEAs, and process documentation.
- Define critical process parameters and establish acceptable operating windows.
- Support validation of engineering changes and process modifications.
New Technology & Equipment
- Lead process validation for new equipment, tooling, and manufacturing technologies.
- Support equipment commissioning and production launches.
- Evaluate emerging technologies to improve manufacturing capability.
Technical Coaching
- Provide technical guidance to Line Planners, Operations, Maintenance, and Quality.
- Share best practices and lessons learned across manufacturing areas.
- Support development of engineering standards and technical training.
Success Profile
A successful Process Group engineer:
- Thinks systematically and solves root causes rather than symptoms.
- Develops deep expertise in manufacturing processes.
- Uses data to improve process capability.
- Influences others through technical knowledge.
- Balances innovation with practical implementation.
- Collaborates effectively across engineering, maintenance, quality, and operations.
- Creates sustainable improvements through robust standards.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Process capability (Cp/Cpk)
- Scrap and defect reduction
- OEE improvements
- Permanent corrective action effectiveness
- Cycle time improvements
- Cost savings from improvement projects
- Technical standard compliance
- Successful implementation of engineering changes
The Process Group is the technical owner of manufacturing processes, responsible for developing world-class process capability through engineering expertise, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement. By optimizing manufacturing technologies and establishing robust standards, the Process Group enables safe, stable, and competitive production performance.