Process Engineering Leader

Hebron KY - Full time onsite

Position Overview

The Process Engineering Leader is a hands-on technical expert responsible for driving machining performance and strengthening manufacturing capabilities across high-mix, precision operations. This role applies deep knowledge of machining, tooling, sheet metal manufacturing, and CNC programming to optimize processes, develop tooling strategies, and advance manufacturing technologies that support customer and business needs. The position partners closely with technical, operations, and sales teams to improve manufacturability, enhance quoting accuracy, and guide technology upgrades. This leader thrives in a fast-paced sheet metal fabrication and aerospace environment, values continuous improvement, and plays a key role in enabling future growth through disciplined engineering leadership and process innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Machining & Tooling Leadership

• Lead company-wide tooling strategy, ensuring optimal tool life, cost efficiency, and machining performance.
• Oversee machining process optimization for improved throughput, cycle times, and quality.
• Establish, document, and enforce CNC programming standards, machining parameters, and best practices.
• Evaluate and select tooling, work holding, cutting strategies, and process automation solutions.

Manufacturing Technology & Innovation

• Develop and execute the Manufacturing Technology Roadmap, identifying opportunities for automation, digital manufacturing, and equipment upgrades.
• Champion capital projects, including justification, business case development, equipment selection, implementation, and ROI tracking.
• Lead integration of advanced machining technologies (5-axis, probing, high-speed machining, tool wear monitoring, etc.).

Continuous Improvement

• Drive lean manufacturing, process standardization, and waste reduction initiatives across machining and sheet metal operations.
• Improve process capability, reduce scrap/rework, and enhance process stability through data-driven decision-making. Strong understanding of Nesting.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, and Engineering to resolve complex technical challenges.

Customer & Sales Support

• Partner with Sales and Estimating to:
• Support technical quoting and cycle-time development.
• Provide manufacturability feedback for new and existing products.
• Help build business cases for new markets, capabilities, and customer opportunities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and develop CNC programmers, machinists, and technical staff.
• Provide hands-on guidance on machining setup, tool selection, and troubleshooting.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Sheet metal industry experience is required (fabrication, machining, forming, or tooling).
• Strong background in machining and tool & die operations.
• Advanced experience in CNC programming (Mastercam, Siemens, Fanuc, or equivalent).
• Proven ability to lead process improvement initiatives and drive productivity.
• Ability to work hands-on in a high-mix, precision manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing (AS9100, NADCAP, tight-tolerance machining).
• Engineering degree (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or similar).
• Experience evaluating, selecting, and implementing new manufacturing technologies.
• Familiarity with GD&T, CAD/CAM systems, ERP/MES tools, and structured problem-solving methods (A3, DMAIC).
• Demonstrated leadership, project management, and cross-functional communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Able to perform essential functions in both office and manufacturing environments
• Travel up to 10% of the time
• Specific accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities

Work Environment

• Office setting with frequent visits to manufacturing floor
• Potential exposure to typical manufacturing conditions

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with 80% of costs covered by the company
• Security: Long-term and short-term disability insurance, company-paid life insurance, and additional employee life insurance options
• Supplemental Coverage: Critical illness and accident insurance
• Growth Opportunities: Potential for advancement within our company and across our broader family of companies
• Culture of Excellence: Join a team dedicated to organizational excellence, continual employee development, and sustainable manufacturing processes

About Our Client

From precision aerospace components to life-saving medical devices, our client has been at the forefront of complex metal fabrication for over six decades. Our Northern Kentucky roots run deep, but our impact reaches far beyond - powering industries, advancing technology, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

We're not just metalworkers; we're problem solvers, innovators, and partners to some of the most demanding industries in the world. Our team thrives on challenges, turning seemingly impossible specifications into reality through a combination of cutting-edge technology and old-fashioned American craftsmanship.

We're building more than just metal components - we're crafting the future. Our team is passionate about making a real difference and never settles for "good enough" as we build a legacy of excellence.