Process Engineer
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Shields Process Engineer is responsible for technical ownership of the shields manufacturing process to ensure stable, capable, safe, and cost-effective production that meets quality, yield, productivity, and customer requirements. This role bridges day-to-day production support and longer-term process improvement/industrialization work—partnering closely with Operations leadership, Process Technicians, Quality, Safety, Facilities/Maintenance, and internal/external suppliers. The Process Engineer leads structured problem solving, process control and capability improvements, supports new equipment/product introductions (development, validation, and industrialization), and drives continuous improvement through data-driven methods.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as the primary technical owner for assigned shields production processes, ensuring process control, stability, and adherence to specifications and control plans
Partner with Operations leadership to achieve key production KPIs (yield, productivity, cycle time, scrap, coating usage, and customer service)
Provide hands-on engineering support to troubleshoot complex process/equipment issues; lead root cause analysis and implement robust corrective/preventive actions
Identify, prioritize, and execute opportunities to improve safety, quality, yield, throughput, and cost using Lean/Six Sigma tools, statistical methods, and experimental approaches
Analyze process data to diagnose drivers of variation, yield loss, downtime, and coating usage; develop dashboards/metrics and communicate results effectively
Establish and improve process documentation (SOPs, work instructions, process control plans) and support change management and periodic audits
Support industrialization for new products, process changes, and equipment, ensuring readiness for production
Act as a role model for safe behaviors, ensuring engineering solutions align with EHS requirements
Provide technical coaching and guidance to Process Technician and production teams; help build troubleshooting and process discipline capability
Maintain strong floor presence and responsiveness to production needs; occasional off-shift/weekend support may be required based on business demands
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, or related) or equivalent combination of education
Minimum 3 years of process/manufacturing engineering experience in a production environment
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and solve problems using structured methods
Working knowledge of process control concepts (standard work, control plans, capability, variation reduction) and continuous improvement fundamentals.
Comfortable working in/around manufacturing chemicals
Proficiency with MS Office, especially Excel-based analysis and reporting.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; collaborative, open-minded, and able to influence without authority.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
5+ years manufacturing/process engineering experience in coatings, cleanroom, chemical processing, or similar high-discipline environments.
Demonstrated Lean/Six Sigma application (Green Belt/Black Belt)
Statistical analysis experience (e.g., JMP) and ability to apply DOE, SPC, and capability studies in production settings.
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status