The Process Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving Cree Lighting’s Paint and Finishing manufacturing processes. This individual is directly responsible for identifying, quantifying, and eliminating barriers in operations; supporting new process development, improving current processes, and launching new and updated product variations to meet customer demands.

A successful candidate will be a resourceful problem solver who can work in a high-speed environment around technical obstacles and will be adept at the implementation of practical solutions or test procedures. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leading engineering studies, perform chemical process simulations, and develop and complete engineering calculations
• Perform or assist with the development of PFDs and P&IDs, process calculations, equipment specifications, and procurement
• Provide engineering expertise during root cause analysis for process and quality defects
• Own the development and improvement of OEE for the manufacturing process
• Design, modify, and repair complex automation systems including PLC, HMI, Robot, Vision
• Evaluation of machine logic and controls to troubleshoot equipment and identify process improvement opportunities
• Provides Manufacturing support, assistance, trouble-shooting and required reporting protocols of plant utilities/services, as needed, including: air supply, chemical processing and wastewater treatment systems.
• Promotes employee safety through design, process controls, and improvements
• Lead continuous improvement activities
• Assist and launch new product development including DFMA and FMEA opportunities
• Realize VA/VE/Specials variants of products into existing production cells
• Assess and analyze abnormalities to determine root cause and provide an optimal solution
• Identify and perform cost savings and avoidance projects to support operations initiatives
• Collaborate with Product Engineering and Industrial Engineering partners to ensure process designs and improvements meet product requirements
• Coordinate and communicate technical information to and from all levels of the organization - vendors, project managers, integral project team, production team members, and Leadership
• Develop justification, source, and implement new technologies or capital equipment upgrades to improve the operation.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• B.S. in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or other technical Engineering discipline with relevant manufacturing experience
• Understanding of valves, process instrumentation, analytical instrumentation, pumps, and motors
• Preferred experience with powder coat, e-coat, industrial paint, etc.
• OT / IT Networking and M2M communications protocols
• Use of PLCs (Allen Bradley) to control processes relative to level, flow, pressure, pH, etc.
• Experience with SolidWorks, or similar modeling software
• Experience with electromechanical assembly or manufacturing
• Knowledge of LEAN Manufacturing Principles (DFM, DFA, DFSS, 6S, Kaizen, Kanban)
• Experience with data collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation to drive informed manufacturing decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, self-starter, high-energy, strong drive for accomplishment
• Work well independently towards achieving the goals of the group
• Strong interpersonal skills - ability to connect with and positively influence employees at all levels of the organization, including Leadership
• Experience with MS Office applications
• Excellent mechanical and electrical aptitude

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Strong computer software skills and aptitude to learn new software
• Able to drive strategic thinking and continuous improvement
• Ability to identify and eliminate potential safety and performance issues
• Experience directly supporting production environments

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently required to stand; sit climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift 40lbs when assembling or modifying equipment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.  Ability to work from time to time in locations with poor accessibility, such as below workstations or inside test enclosures.