Quality Process Engineer in Chicago Heights
Job DescriptionJob Description
Position Summary
The Process Engineer is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and improving manufacturing processes to ensure product quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with quality and environmental standards. This role plays a key part in driving continuous improvement, supporting new product implementation (NPI), and optimizing production performance.
Key Responsibilities
Process Control & Improvement
· Measure process capability (Cp, Cpk) and drive variability reduction initiatives
· Monitor production processes and identify product and process non-conformities
· Analyze root causes of issues and identify improvement opportunities in technology, raw materials, and product design
· Develop and maintain rework instructions in line with acceptance criteria
· Optimize performance of key production nodes and reduce cycle times
· Minimize downtime related to changeovers
· Develop and maintain process flow diagrams
· Collect and analyze data for capacity calculations
Quality Management & Compliance
· Conduct periodic compliance audits and identify deviations
· Ensure adherence to Quality Management System (QMS) and Environmental Management System (EMS) requirements
· Manage process and product parameter records ensuring full traceability
· Apply quality tools and methodologies (SPC, DOE, 8D)
· Support reduction of scrap rate and customer PPM
· Supervise non-conforming products and approve deviations for raw materials and blends
· Participate in Quality Panels and audits
Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
· Implement Lean tools such as Kaizen, 5S, and standardization
· Lead and participate in process and product improvement projects
· Drive initiatives to increase productivity and efficiency while maintaining high quality
· Support development and tracking of KPIs and quality objectives
New Product Implementation (NPI) & Change Management
· Participate in NPI projects, including development of test plans and oversight of implementation
· Collaborating with R&D on process and technology improvements
Technology Transfer (TOT)
· Ensure proper validation and approval of technology transfers
· Verify compliance of transferred processes with production standards
· Conduct audits and recommend corrective and improvement actions
Resource & Infrastructure Management
· Manage tooling, molds, and equipment resources
· Identify and implement improvements in production infrastructure
· Support efficient utilization of technical resources
Team Leadership & Training
· Support validation of operator competencies for key machines
· Organize and deliver quality-related training
· Supervise corrective and preventive actions
Authority & Accountability
· Stop production in case of non-conformities, safety risks, or procedural violations
· Supervise corrective actions and compliance with standards
Qualifications & Experience
Education
· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Materials Science, Ceramics, or related field )
Experience
· Minimum 3 years in technical/production roles
Technical Skills & Knowledge
· Strong knowledge of chemistry, material science, ceramics
· Working knowledge of reading drawings (CAD)
· Experience with quality tools and Statistical Process Control (SPC)
· Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), MiniTab would be
· Practical knowledge of ISO 9001
· Problem-solving using 8D methodology
· Proficiency in MiniTab, MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Key Competencies
· Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
· Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
· Goal-oriented mindset with attention to detail
· Effective communication and interpersonal skills
· Ability to work under pressure
· Assertiveness and decision-making capability
· Openness to change and continuous improvement
· Team leadership and people management skills
Company DescriptionVesuvius is a global leader in molten metal flow engineering and technology, primarily serving the global steel and foundry industries. We develop innovative solutions that enable our customers to increase their efficiency and productivity, enhance quality, improve safety and reduce their costs and their environmental impact. Our history spans more than 100 years, we are on six continents with more than 11,000 employees. We value . Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We aim to deliver sustainable, profitable growth to provide our shareholders with a superior return on their investment, while providing our employees with a safe workplace where they are recognized, developed and properly rewarded.Company DescriptionVesuvius is a global leader in molten metal flow engineering and technology, primarily serving the global steel and foundry industries. We develop innovative solutions that enable our customers to increase their efficiency and productivity, enhance quality, improve safety and reduce their costs and their environmental impact. Our history spans more than 100 years, we are on six continents with more than 11,000 employees. We value . Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We aim to deliver sustainable, profitable growth to provide our shareholders with a superior return on their investment, while providing our employees with a safe workplace where they are recognized, developed and properly rewarded.