Process Engineer - Gear Manufacturing - TekPro

Position Summary:

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Process Engineer to join our team in a leading aerospace and defense gear manufacturing company. The Process Engineer will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and overseeing the manufacturing processes for gears used in critical aerospace and defense applications. This role requires a deep understanding of advanced manufacturing technologies, quality standards, and industry-specific requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process Development and Optimization:
• Design, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes for precision gears, including gear cutting, grinding, hobbing, and finishing operations.
• Optimize processes for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and product quality while maintaining compliance with industry standards.
• Utilize tools such as value stream mapping, process flow diagrams, and statistical process control (SPC) to identify and eliminate inefficiencies in production.

Technical Support and Troubleshooting:

• Provide technical expertise to production teams, troubleshoot and resolve complex issues that arise in the manufacturing process.
• Work closely with operators and supervisors to ensure smooth production runs and adherence to specifications.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Ensure all processes meet the stringent quality and regulatory requirements of the aerospace and defense industries, such as AS9100, ISO 9001, NADCAP, and other applicable standards.
• Conduct root cause analysis for non-conformities and implement corrective actions to resolve quality issues.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives through Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and other quality improvement methodologies.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Communication:

• Work closely with design engineering, product development, and quality assurance teams to provide feedback on manufacturability and process capabilities for new gear designs.
• Assist in the selection of materials, tooling, and equipment required for gear manufacturing processes.
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers to ensure the availability of high-quality materials and components.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a process engineering role within the aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing industry.
• Hands-on experience with gear manufacturing processes such as hobbing, grinding, and CNC machining.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace and defense industry standards (AS9100, NADCAP, etc.).
• Experience with process optimization and continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and process simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Knowledge of CNC programming and manufacturing automation is a plus.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.