Process engineer Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

Are you looking for a challenging yet rewarding job that allows you to utilize your skills to their fullest potential? Do you want to join a team of hardworking, enthusiastic and creative people and enjoy working with a company that recognizes and embraces diversity? Do you take pride working with a company that is committed to being a great corporate citizen and playing a role in producing the highest quality products and services?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Pridgeon and Clay is the place for you...

Founded in 1948 by John Pridgeon and Donald Clay, we are one of the largest independent, value-added manufacturers and suppliers of automotive stamped and fine-blanked components in the United States.

Objective: The Process Engineer will interface with the Plant with regard to their processes to improve process quality and productivity capabilities, as well as implement lean manufacturing initiatives in an exemplary manner according to the company policies.

Qualified candidates will possess the following Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor's Degree in engineering
• A minimum of one year of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with Project Management
• Experience implementing Continuous Improvement
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Project and PowerPoint)
• Computer proficiency using AutoCAD
• Experience in problem solving methods (8D, 5 Why) and lean initiatives
• Experience with AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and MSA)
• The ability to drive projects to completion
• Ability and willingness to work in a team-based environment
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• An excellent work record, including attendance

Outstanding candidates will possess the following Desired Requirements:

• Previous experience in a metal-forming manufacturing environment
• Five or more years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• Robust experience implementing problem-solving tools such as 8D or 5Why

(Minimum requirements are updated annually to meet the demands of various positions; employees hired prior to the latest revision update may not meet all current requirements)

Essential Functions:

Business Operations/Project Management:

• Communicate with Team Leaders, Lead persons, and Operators during the conception, approval, build, implementation, and follow-up phases of engineering projects that impact their job functions.
• Participate in the creation and execution of the annual capital budget plan and company business plan.
• Participate in the advanced product quality planning (APQP) process as an APQP Team Member.
• Work in conjunction with the Launch Quality Engineers to maintain process failure mode effects analysis (PFMEAs), Control Plans, Process Flows, and inspection check sheets to ensure customer specific specifications and standards for products, application, and documentation are included after launch.
• Maintain project schedules; proactively and consistently follow up on assignments to assure successful completion.
• Using cost justification, accurately and efficiently select the required components, automation, and controls for machine building/automation. The automation includes, but is not limited to robots, pick and place units, and conveyors. Assist in the design of internally built equipment.
• Verify that new projects meet part design and quality requirements through actual run results.
• Attend daily department meetings and remain informed about the business goals and objectives.

Problem-Solving/Continuous Improvement:

• Communicate thoughts and ideas for the plant goals, problems, and opportunities for improvement to plant operations.
• Compare productivity metrics with quality metrics. Add or remove quality checks to promote a quality process while steadily improving productivity.
• Attend weekly 8D review meetings.
• Own production-related goals and drive improvement to key measures. Present process key measures during monthly metrics presentation.
• Drive, as well as participate in, lean initiatives, including continuous improvement activities (CIA's), quick die change, 5S, standardized work, lubricant reduction, ergonomics, strokes per minute (SPM), uptime, and error proofing.
• Actively participate in tooling changeovers with technicians to understand the process and develop improvement techniques.
• Increase knowledge of processes and equipment. Possess the ability to run equipment with the ability to recognize and address cause and effect.
• Incorporate sensors and other measurement technology into new and existing processes to improve quality and/or productivity.
• Use coordinate measuring machine (CMM) data and statistical analysis to establish effective process controls to drive improvements to and promote process capability of processes and tools.
• Review/participate in the actual packing of product within the manufacturing environment to implement leaner methods such as pack at the press, pack into customer totes in secondary and stamping operations, and pack at wash operation.
• Identify potential safety issues with processes and systems, and take appropriate action.
• Engineer improvements for process setups, material handling, storage, layouts, work cells, and any other functions that directly impact the performance of the plant. Spearhead continuous improvements of compound, fine-blank, transfer, progressive and/or secondary operations.
• Accurately calculate and submit cost reductions and cost avoidances using approved guidelines to meet or exceed annual goals.

Professionalism/Communication/Teamwork:

• Consistently exhibit appropriate attendance habits, working the hours necessary to perform the job.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Manager.
• Organize and maintain efficiency of personal work area.
• Consistently adhere to, and support, company policies and procedures, including ISO, AIAG, IATF 16949 and safety regulations.
• Provide necessary, accurate, and timely feedback of all pertinent information to co-workers and management.
• Effectively communicate with co-workers and management personnel to enhance teamwork and communication initiatives.
• Treat all co-workers with dignity and respect.
• Assist in maintaining company values (Integrity, People, Customers, Safety and Ownership) daily, through thoughts and actions.

In return, Pridgeon and Clay will provide:

• A competitive total compensation including a comprehensive benefit plan including premium medical and prescription coverage starting at just $5.00 per week for employee coverage, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and tuition reimbursement.
• A safe, team oriented work environment with a leadership team that treats you like family and values your input
• An opportunity to participate in shaping the success of the organization through continuous improvement and problem solving events
• A positive work/life balance
• An opportunity for career growth – Over 70% of our leaders have been promoted from within