Director of Process EngineeringConsumer Products ManufacturingLocation: State College, PA (on-site) Compensation: $180,000 – $200,000 base salary Position Type: Newly Created | Full-TimePosition OverviewThis is a newly created leadership role with a well-established, growing consumer products manufacturer. The company operates three manufacturing plants in the region (two located on the same campus) and is investing in expansion and operational stability.The Director of Process Engineering will initially operate as a hands-on individual contributor with enterprise-level influence. As the role matures, this leader will build and oversee a team of Process Engineering Managers and Engineers.The core mission is to stabilize, standardize, and continuously improve process engineering capabilities across all three plants, driving performance, reliability, and scalability.Key ResponsibilitiesLead process engineering strategy across three manufacturing facilitiesAssess, streamline, and stabilize existing process engineering systems and workflowsDrive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, throughput, and process reliabilityPartner with Plant Leadership, Operations, Maintenance, and Quality to implement sustainable improvementsLead capital and process-related projects as neededEstablish engineering best practices, standards, and metricsUse data and analysis to identify gaps, measure performance, and guide decision-makingCoach, mentor, and develop engineering talent as the team is built outGradually assume formal people leadership responsibility over Managers and EngineersCandidate ProfileBachelor’s degree in Engineering (required)Extensive background in Process Engineering within:Consumer products manufacturing orHigh-speed, high-volume manufacturing environmentsStrong hands-on engineering background with the ability to operate at both plant and strategic levelsDemonstrated experience leading and developing engineers (formal or informal leadership required)Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma certification (minimum Green Belt) requiredStrong data analysis and problem-solving skillsProven ability to coach, mentor, and build technical teamsPaper industry experience is a plus, but not requiredIdeal background: Someone who started their career as a Process Engineer and progressed into engineering leadership. Candidates currently at a Director level may be a fit if comfortable stepping into a role that initially has no direct reports.Why This RoleNewly created position with significant influence and visibilityOpportunity to shape and build the process engineering functionCompany is growing and investing in its operationsStrong culture and long-term stabilityClear path to building and leading a multi-site engineering organizationLocation NoteState College, PA is a rural location. Candidates should be comfortable with a smaller community setting. The company offers strong culture, stability, and growth opportunities but is not in a major metro area.