Process Engineer Job Nashville area,Tennessee USA,Manufacturing / Production

We are seeking a hands-on Process Engineer to support a high-volume, continuous-process thermal manufacturing operation. This role will focus on optimizing high-temperature forming and material flow processes while driving improvements in product quality, furnace performance, throughput, yield, and overall operational stability.

The ideal candidate has experience working in a continuous-flow manufacturing environment involving molten material handling, thermal conditioning, precision forming, annealing, and downstream process optimization. This position requires a strong floor-level presence and the ability to troubleshoot complex manufacturing issues while partnering closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and operational leadership.

Required

Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred, including Mechanical, Chemical, Materials Science, Metallurgical, or related disciplines
Minimum of 2+ years of experience in a high-temperature continuous manufacturing environment
Strong understanding of thermal processing and material behavior at elevated temperatures
Knowledge of forming operations, annealing principles, and continuous manufacturing process flow
Experience troubleshooting process-related defects and implementing corrective actions
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Hands-on approach to manufacturing support and problem solving
Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, production-driven environment
Ability to provide floor-level engineering support in a 24/7 manufacturing operation
Ability to safely work around elevated-temperature systems, operating machinery, heat, and noise
Ability to wear and properly utilize required personal protective equipment

Preferred

Skills & Qualifications

Experience in continuous-flow thermal manufacturing operations
Experience with molten material handling and high-temperature forming processes
Experience with furnace operations, combustion systems, thermal distribution, and electric boost systems
Experience troubleshooting annealing and controlled cooling processes
Experience with feeder systems and forming equipment
Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, uptime, scrap reduction, and process capability
Experience analyzing production trends and manufacturing process data
Experience supporting equipment changeovers and process setup optimization
Experience working cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Lead continuous improvement initiatives across thermal forming and production processes, including raw material batching, melting, conditioning, forming, and controlled cooling operations
Troubleshoot and resolve complex manufacturing defects related to surface quality, dimensional variation, distortion, stress-related breakage, and thermal inconsistencies
Monitor and optimize critical process parameters, including furnace performance, combustion balance, thermal distribution, electric boost systems, feeder conditions, cooling profiles, and forming configurations
Support furnace and hot-end operational stability through process analysis, equipment adjustments, and production optimization initiatives
Drive improvements in yield, uptime, scrap reduction, energy utilization, and overall process capability
Partner closely with Production, Maintenance, and Quality teams to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions
Analyze production trends and process data to improve manufacturing consistency, efficiency, and product performance
Assist with production setup optimization, equipment changeovers, and forming parameter adjustments during production transitions
Monitor process conditions and identify opportunities to improve product quality and operational stability
Provide floor-level engineering support throughout a 24/7 manufacturing environment
Work directly with operational leadership to address production, process, and equipment-related issues
Develop and utilize data analysis to…