Process Engineer

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The Process Engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, sustaining, and continuously improving manufacturing processes, automation, and process-related equipment to ensure safe, capable, and cost-effective operations. The role provides hands-on technical troubleshooting to support manufacturing and maintenance, leads structured problem solving and root cause analysis, and implements improvements using Lean/PDCA methods.

The Process Engineer supports CAPEX and process improvement projects through requirements definition, technical evaluation, contractor coordination, commissioning, validation, documentation, and training. The role serves as a Process SME, capturing and transferring organizational know-how through controlled documentation, training materials, and standard work in accordance with Knowledge & Learning expectations.

The Process Engineer works cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and Continuous Improvement to identify problems, perform root cause analysis, implement corrective and preventive actions, and standardize improvements. The role supports process validation, documentation, training, and knowledge transfer in compliance with OSHA, EHS principles, ISO standards and ITW guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Design, analyze, and optimize manufacturing processes and process-related automation to improve safety, quality, throughput, OEE, and cost efficiency.
• Lead/support integration of process electrical and software systems including PLCs, HMIs/MMIs, vision inspection, and PLC/DB integration with SPC systems as required.
• Ensure process/equipment changes consider safety, performance, reliability, cleanroom integrity, and long-term maintainability.
• Perform advanced technical troubleshooting in support of Manufacturing and Maintenance for process, automation, controls, and equipment performance issues.
• Serve as escalation support for recurring issues by collecting data, isolating failure modes, and coordinating corrective actions across Engineering/Maintenance/Operations.
• Document troubleshooting findings, corrective actions, and lessons learned to prevent recurrence and support standardization.
• Lead and support Continuous Improvement using PDCA, Lean/ITW methods, and structured problem solving.
• Execute Root Cause Analysis (RCA) using tools such as 5-Why, Fishbone, Pareto; develop corrective/preventive actions; verify effectiveness with measurable results; and standardize successful changes.
• Identify and implement improvements delivering measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost, including waste elimination and process stabilization.
• Support and/or lead assigned elements of CAPEX projects including scope definition, technical evaluation, vendor coordination, installation planning, commissioning, and turnover.
• Participate in commissioning duties as needed, including system validation, training, documentation, and readiness for operations.
• Ensure changes and installations follow engineering change control, documentation requirements, and safe startup practices.
• Select and coordinate external contractors for assigned projects; provide technical direction, oversee execution quality, and ensure work meets safety, cleanroom, and engineering requirements.
• Supervise contractor work related to mechanical and electrical installations/modifications (as assigned), including verification that deliverables match drawings, specifications, and change control documentation.
• Coordinate contractor activities with Maintenance and Operations to minimize downtime, support safe work practices, and ensure clean handover.
• Collaborate with Maintenance to establish or improve maintenance schedules and task content for process equipment, including PM/PdM support based on failure modes and performance trends.
• Use downtime and maintenance data to identify chronic losses and reliability drivers; support corrective actions and improvement projects.
• Create and maintain controlled SOPs, work instructions, standard work documents, and technical documentation supporting stable operations and audit readiness.
• Create equipment manuals and/or training videos to support operational readiness and effective knowledge transfer.
• Serve as a Process Subject Matter Expert (SME) by capturing critical know-how, lessons learned, and best practices, and ensuring they remain accurate, current, and accessible.
• Develop and deliver training (or support delivery) for Operators, Maintenance, and Engineering personnel on process changes, automation updates, and standard work expectations.
• Support training effectiveness validation (observation/testing/performance verification) and ensure training records and materials meet Knowledge & Learning requirements.

EDUCATION and/or EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
• 3 to 7 years of progressive experience supporting industrial manufacturing operations, including hands-on process/equipment support and cross functional collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to perform technical troubleshooting in support of Manufacturing and Maintenance (process, equipment, controls/automation as applicable).
• Experience supporting continuous improvement and structured problem solving (e.g., PDCA, RCA tools such as 5-Why/Fishbone/Pareto) with documented results.
• Experience creating and maintaining controlled documentation (SOPs/WIs, technical documentation, training materials) and following change control/document control practices.
• Familiarity with maintenance strategy and collaboration with Maintenance to sustain process reliability and reduce downtime.
• Working knowledge of training/knowledge requirements, including contributing to training content and supporting competency/knowledge transfer expectations.
• Experience in cleanroom or other regulated manufacturing environments strongly preferred.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on technical engagement.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and continuous improvement focused.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. 
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Regularly stand for extended periods of time.
• Noise level regularly loud.
• Ability to see clearly at 20" or less.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR EQUIPMENT/PROCESS/PRODUCT/ETC.

• General housekeeping for the work area, and, proper and safe use and storage of tools and equipment. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Combination of office, manufacturing floor, electrical rooms, and utility spaces.
• May require cleanroom gowning and contamination‑control procedures.
• Exposure to energized equipment (controlled), noise, heat, and industrial environments.
• Occasional off‑shift or emergency response support may be required.
• Required use of PPE appropriate to electrical hazard level.

SAFETY

• Must observe all safety regulations, policies and procedures, and specific departmental rules, when working. 
• Occasionally wear safety glasses.
• Regularly use hearing protection.
• Required to wear safety shoes.

HAZARDS

Hazards are remote if safety procedures are followed.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.