Staff Engineer, Process

We are looking for a hands-on Process Engineer who is naturally curious, enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, and wants to become a technical expert in advanced ceramic processing. This role is ideal for an engineer early in their career who enjoys being on the manufacturing floor, learning how things work, and working alongside operators, supervisors, engineers, and R&D teams to improve processes and solve problems. Success in this role comes from curiosity, ownership, collaboration, and a willingness to learn. We are looking for someone who is comfortable asking questions, challenging assumptions, and driving projects forward, even when all the answers are not immediately available. **Primary Duties & Responsibilities** - Partner with operators, production supervisors, engineers, and R&D teams to improve manufacturing processes and product quality - Spend significant time on the production floor observing processes, troubleshooting issues, and identifying improvement opportunities - Lead and support process improvement projects focused on yield improvement, scrap reduction, throughput, and quality - Investigate process and product issues using structured problem-solving techniques and data-driven decision making - Develop and execute experiments to better understand process behavior and improve manufacturing performance - Support the transfer of manufacturing processes between facilities and help ensure successful implementation across sites - Build expertise in ceramic forming processes, thermal processing, and advanced materials manufacturing - Document process improvements and support the development of manufacturing procedures and best practices - Collaborate with cross-functional teams to introduce new products and technologies into manufacturing - Take ownership of projects from problem identification through implementation and follow-up **What success looks like** - Successfully contribute to one or more process transfer initiatives - Deliver measurable improvements in yield, scrap reduction, throughput, or process capability - Develop a strong understanding of ceramic forming and thermal processing fundamentals - Become a trusted resource for operators, supervisors, and engineering colleagues - Demonstrate independent ownership of projects and deliver results **Education & Experience** - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Ceramic Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline - 2-5 years of engineering, manufacturing, process development, or related experience - Manufacturing, process engineering, internship, or co-op experience preferred **Skills & Other Requirements** Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Excellent communication and collaboration skills • Demonstrated ability to work independently while knowing when to seek input from others • Experience with data analysis, DOE, SPC, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma methodologies preferred • Experience working in a production environment preferred • Exposure to materials processing, thermal processing, or advanced manufacturing technologies preferred • Naturally curious and enjoys understanding how things work • Comfortable learning through experimentation and hands-on problem solving • Takes ownership and follows through on commitments • Prefers solving problems at the source rather than from behind a desk • Willing to challenge assumptions respectfully when data or observations suggest a better approach • Enjoys working as part of a team and building strong relationships across functions **Bonus Qualifications** Evidence of hands-on interests and a passion for building, making, repairing, or improving things, such as: - Woodworking - Automotive projects - Robotics - Fabrication - Machining - 3D printing - Competitive engineering teams - Personal technical projects **Working Conditions** Office and manufacturing floor environment with regular interaction with production proce…