Process Development Engineer-OR
Posted: January 01, 2024
At Leupold & Stevens we work hard and play hard - our passion for innovation and quality is legendary in our industry. We have an exciting opportunity for a process engineering expert to support the execution of our technical vision related to new product development, new process development and identifying new technologies. This is a hands-on role where you’ll collaborate cross-functionally to relentlessly explore and pursue new processes, new materials, and new technologies that make Leupold the worlds’ choice for sporting optics.
As a member of the Manufacturing Development Engineering (MDE) team, you’ll support initiatives tied to New Product Development (NPD) and Production Manufacturing. At its core the MDE team is the engine for manufacturing technology innovation. This includes the constant search for opportunities to provide step changes in manufacturing capability and efficiency. In this role you’ll have an opportunity to drive key projects in the areas of process efficiency, automation, process control, variability reduction, incoming and outgoing material characterization, and equipment definition by understanding process challenges, opportunities, and limitations.
When Leupold & Stevens states our products are, “Designed, Machined, and Assembled in the USA,” it is largely due to our relentless focus on manufacturing innovation. This has been at the heart of our Company for over 115 years. We manufacture our products right here in Beaverton, Oregon, which sets us apart from all others. This is a legacy we have the privilege to uphold for future generations. This role is at the center of protecting that legacy by ensuring that future products continue to outperform, out inspire, and outlast all others in the field.
Our benefits package is amazing:
- affordable health and dental insurance
- a strong commitment to training and professional development including an internal skills development program for all manufacturing team members
- a generous tuition reimbursement program
- company contributions up to 8% of base pay into a 401K retirement account
- profit sharing
- and great product discounts (to name a few)
What You’ll Be Doing as a Process Development Engineer:
- Providing technical leadership in the development and improvement of manufacturing processes in support of the Manufacturing Engineering and Production roadmaps
- Feasibility studies and prototyping
- Production modeling of new processes
- Performing statistical design of experiments, data analysis, and correlation
- Design and execution of new tool, equipment, and process validations
- Monitoring, interpreting and summarizing complex data sets to support key decision points and actions
- Developing and implementing strategies to enhance yield, cycle time, throughput, and resource utilization
- Leveraging your expertise with equipment and technological advancements to recommend upgrades to enhance process capabilities
- Collaborating cross-functionally to support quality, safety, compliance, and ensure project requirements are met
- Creating and maintaining comprehensive documentation on work deliverables
- Developing and tracking metrics and success criteria for all process engineering activities
Skills & Experience You’ll Need as a Process Development Engineer:
- Bachelor's or master’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field with 7-10+ years of progressive experience leading process engineering initiatives in a manufacturing environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Understanding and exposure of various manufacturing processes including machining, casting, molding, assembly, and electronics
- Experience managing projects related to process improvements and equipment implementation
- Proficient in computer aided design (CAD) and simulation tools; Solidworks preferred
- Advanced understanding and demonstrated experience in driving process consistency in ramp through automated systems
- Expertise in statistical design of experiments, data analysis, and correlation
- Experience with equipment, tooling, and process validation
- Thorough understanding of statistical process control and other quality engineering tools. Experience developing SPC systems including chart creation and control limits, response flows, review schedules, feedforward/feedback control (i.e., process control systems)
- Knowledge of lean principles to minimize waste and enhance process flow
- Confident problem solver with the ability to analyze and identify root causes
- Expertise in FMEA
- Hands on troubleshooting experience of process, materials, and equipment
- Critical thinker with excellent quantitative and analytical skills
- Continuous learning mindset
- Collaborative team player with good communication skills and the ability to effectively partner with stakeholders across functional areas
- Knowledge of hunting and shooting sports is a plus
Work Environment for a Process Development Engineer:
Normal office environment with occasional travel and exposure to manufacturing operations.