Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Employment Type: Contract
Duration: Minimum 6 months
We are seeking a hands-on Process Engineer to support a high-volume, continuous-process thermal manufacturing operation. This role will focus on optimizing high-temperature forming and material flow processes while driving improvements in product quality, furnace performance, throughput, yield, and overall operational stability.
The ideal candidate has experience working in a continuous-flow manufacturing environment involving molten material handling, thermal conditioning, precision forming, annealing, and downstream process optimization. This position requires a strong floor-level presence and the ability to troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues while partnering closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and operational leadership.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred, including Mechanical, Chemical, Materials Science, Metallurgical, or related disciplines
- Minimum of 2+ years of experience in a high-temperature continuous manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of thermal processing and material behavior at elevated temperatures
- Knowledge of forming operations, annealing principles, and continuous manufacturing process flow
- Experience troubleshooting process-related defects and implementing corrective actions
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Hands-on approach to manufacturing support and problem solving
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, production-driven environment
- Ability to provide floor-level engineering support in a 24/7 manufacturing operation
- Ability to safely work around elevated-temperature systems, operating machinery, heat, and noise
- Ability to wear and properly utilize required personal protective equipment
- Experience in continuous-flow thermal manufacturing operations
- Experience with molten material handling and high-temperature forming processes
- Experience with furnace operations, combustion systems, thermal distribution, and electric boost systems
- Experience troubleshooting annealing and controlled cooling processes
- Experience with feeder systems and forming equipment
- Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, uptime, scrap reduction, and process capability
- Experience analyzing production trends and manufacturing process data
- Experience supporting equipment changeovers and process setup optimization
- Experience working cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives across thermal forming and production processes, including raw material batching, melting, conditioning, forming, and controlled cooling operations
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex manufacturing defects related to surface quality, dimensional variation, distortion, stress-related breakage, and thermal inconsistencies
- Monitor and optimize critical process parameters, including furnace performance, combustion balance, thermal distribution, electric boost systems, feeder conditions, cooling profiles, and forming configurations
- Support furnace and hot-end operational stability through process analysis, equipment adjustments, and production optimization initiatives
- Drive improvements in yield, uptime, scrap reduction, energy utilization, and overall process capability
- Partner closely with Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions
- Analyze production trends and process data to improve manufacturing consistency, efficiency, and product performance
- Assist with production setup optimization, equipment changeovers, and forming parameter adjustments during production transitions
- Monitor process conditions and identify opportunities to improve product quality and operational stability
- Provide floor-level engineering support throughout a 24/7 manufacturing environment
- Work directly with operational leadership to address production, process, and equipment-related issues
- Develop and utilize data analysis to identify process trends, determine root causes, and support improvement initiatives
- Support troubleshooting efforts involving thermal processing, forming, annealing, material flow, and downstream manufacturing operations
- Maintain effective communication with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams
- Participate in continuous improvement and problem-solving activities focused on process capability, efficiency, and product quality
- Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor and provide hands-on technical support as needed
- Follow all safety procedures and maintain a safe and clean work environment
- Safely operate and work around elevated-temperature systems, machinery, and other industrial manufacturing equipment
- Utilize all required PPE and follow established environmental, health, and safety procedures
INDQSS2
