Process engineer

Our client is an established pulp and paper manufacturing company seeking an experienced Process Engineer to join its manufacturing operations in Shafter, CA. This is a full-time, direct-hire opportunity for an engineering professional who enjoys working in a hands-on industrial environment, optimizing production processes, improving equipment performance, and driving operational efficiency.

The successful candidate will work closely with plant management, production personnel, and maintenance teams to evaluate manufacturing processes, identify opportunities for improvement, troubleshoot operational challenges, and implement engineering solutions that enhance productivity, product quality, safety, and equipment reliability.

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and at least 3 years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Previous experience in pulp and paper manufacturing is strongly preferred, particularly with production processes, industrial equipment, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on plant performance while building a long-term career with an established manufacturing organization.

• Process Engineering & Optimization

  • Evaluate existing manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, productivity, and operational performance.

  • Develop and implement process improvements to optimize production throughput, product consistency, and equipment utilization.

  • Analyze production data, process parameters, and operating conditions to identify inefficiencies and recommend corrective actions.

  • Support the development, testing, and implementation of new or improved manufacturing processes.

  • Monitor process performance and assist in establishing operating parameters and performance benchmarks.

  • Identify opportunities to reduce production waste, material consumption, energy usage, and operating costs.

• Manufacturing Operations & Technical Support

  • Provide hands-on engineering support to plant operations, production personnel, and maintenance teams.

  • Troubleshoot mechanical, operational, and process-related issues affecting manufacturing performance.

  • Investigate recurring production problems, identify root causes, and develop practical engineering solutions.

  • Collaborate with equipment operators and supervisors to improve process stability and production reliability.

  • Assist with equipment evaluations, process adjustments, and operational improvements.

  • Support plant management in addressing technical challenges and achieving production objectives.

• Equipment Performance & Reliability

  • Work closely with maintenance personnel to evaluate equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability.

  • Assist with troubleshooting industrial machinery, mechanical systems, and production equipment.

  • Recommend equipment modifications, process adjustments, and maintenance improvements to minimize downtime.

  • Support the evaluation and implementation of equipment upgrades and manufacturing improvements.

  • Participate in equipment testing, commissioning, and operational performance evaluations as needed.

  • Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to improve equipment availability and overall manufacturing efficiency.

• Continuous Improvement & Quality

  • Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives focused on production efficiency, quality, safety, and cost reduction.

  • Analyze manufacturing performance trends and develop recommendations for process improvements.

  • Work with production teams to identify causes of product defects, process variation, and material waste.

  • Assist in developing standardized operating procedures and process documentation.

  • Support initiatives to improve product consistency, manufacturing quality, and operational effectiveness.

  • Track the effectiveness of implemented improvements and recommend additional corrective actions when necessary.

• Engineering Projects & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Assist with planning and executing plant improvement projects, equipment modifications, and process optimization initiatives.

  • Coordinate with plant management, production, maintenance, and other technical personnel to support successful project implementation.

  • Prepare engineering documentation, process evaluations, technical reports, and improvement recommendations.

  • Evaluate proposed equipment or process changes for technical feasibility, operational impact, and cost-effectiveness.

  • Support the implementation of engineering best practices and standardized manufacturing procedures.

  • Promote safe operating practices and ensure engineering improvements align with applicable plant safety requirements.

• Required Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required.

  • Minimum 3 years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing, industrial production, or process engineering environment.

  • Demonstrated experience troubleshooting manufacturing processes, industrial equipment, or mechanical systems.

  • Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and their application in industrial manufacturing operations.

  • Experience identifying production inefficiencies and implementing practical process or equipment improvements.

  • Ability to work effectively in a hands-on, plant-based manufacturing environment.

• Technical Skills

  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, industrial machinery, and mechanical systems.

  • Experience with process optimization, production troubleshooting, and continuous improvement methodologies.

  • Ability to analyze production data, evaluate equipment performance, and identify root causes of operational problems.

  • Understanding of equipment reliability, preventive maintenance principles, and manufacturing efficiency.

  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, equipment documentation, and engineering specifications.

  • Familiarity with manufacturing performance metrics, process monitoring, and operational improvement techniques.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, for data analysis and technical reporting.

• Professional Skills

  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.

  • Practical, hands-on approach to engineering and manufacturing challenges.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to collaborate effectively with plant management, production personnel, equipment operators, and maintenance teams.

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Ability to independently evaluate technical issues, develop recommendations, and support implementation.

  • Self-motivated, dependable, and committed to improving manufacturing performance.

  • Comfortable working directly on the production floor in an industrial environment.

• Preferred Industry Experience

  • Previous experience in pulp and paper manufacturing strongly preferred.

  • Familiarity with paper production processes, industrial processing equipment, and manufacturing operations.

  • Experience with mechanical systems and equipment commonly used in continuous-process manufacturing.

  • Background in process improvement, equipment reliability, production optimization, or manufacturing engineering.

  • Experience working in industrial environments with continuous or high-volume production operations.