Manufacturing Process Engineer

In this role, the Manufacturing Process Engineer serves as a hands-on process expert responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining manufacturing processes and equipment used in fuel cell production. The role focuses on improving safety, quality, yield, and productivity through disciplined application of engineering principles, structured problem-solving, and close collaboration with Production, Quality, Product Engineering, and R&D teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the research, design, development, and implementation of new and improved manufacturing processes and equipment, including value stream mapping, process documentation, PFMEA, risk assessments, and control plans.
• Assist in managing new equipment projects from specification development through installation and release to operations, including vendor coordination, capital justification support, and execution under direction.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction, quality improvement, yield enhancement, and ergonomic improvements.
• Analyze process data to identify trends, improve yield, and support root cause analysis of production issues.
• Participate on cross-functional teams including R&D, Facilities, Environmental Health and Safety, and Product Engineering.
• Act as a manufacturing liaison supporting Design Engineering and R&D activities.
• Coordinate and participate in production trials, providing hands-on support and guidance to operators during development and validation activities.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, work instructions, and material specifications within defined authority limits.
• Develop work instructions and operational control plans for shop floor use.
• Support safety assessments of equipment and processes, with working knowledge of NFPA codes and OSHA regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is required. Mechanical, Chemical, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering is preferred. A Master's degree is a plus.

Experience: Minimum of three years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering role with exposure to production equipment, assembly, inspection, or industrial processes. Experience with semi-automated assembly systems is preferred.

Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated ability to support process and equipment implementation projects.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, cross-functional manufacturing environment.
• Practical mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Familiarity with Lean and continuous improvement tools such as Six Sigma, PDCA, Gemba walks, and 6S.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and automated machinery preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with SolidWorks, statistical tools, automation systems, and capital equipment is a plus.

Working Environment/Working Conditions

The position is in-person in our Torrington factory and requires a commitment of 40 hours per week minimum, typically Monday through Friday.

Travel is estimated at up to 10% domestically, with limited international travel as needed.

Ability to work in a demanding industrial environment with exposure to chemicals, furnaces, dust, heat, and required PPE

Physical Requirements

• Able to move effectively and timely in and around 200,000+ square foot cement floored manufacturing facility
• Lifting, pushing, pulling and placement of manufacturing parts weighing 25lbs or more.
• Ability to work with, and around, chemicals, including but not limited to nickel-based compounds, adhesives, and solvents.
• Ability to work around furnace area with smoke, dust, and heat (wearing personal protective equipment).
• Be able and willing to wear required personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, safety shoes, and other PPE as required.
• Must be able to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Ability to travel to other company locations as required.

All Employees Shall

Comply with the EH&S Policy and applicable regulatory and company EH&S rules and requirements.

Report to supervision conditions or practices that are either unsafe or that may adversely impact the environment, to ensure prompt resolution of potential hazards.

Attend scheduled EH&S training program.

Actively support the organization's efforts to meet or exceed EH&S goals and plans.

Recommend improved EH&S practices.

Must maintain regular and consistent attendance.

This Job Description is to serve as a guide. It is intended to be flexible and will continue to evolve over time with business needs and demands and may be updated periodically and at the Company's discretion. Nothing in this position description changes or is intended to change the employment at-will relationship with the Company or the terms of any collective bargaining agreement. Employment at-will means that an employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason at all, with or without notice.