Process Engineer - Manufacturing Engineer

Charter Manufacturing is a fourth-generation family-owned business where our will to grow drives us to do it better.  Join the team and become part of our family!

Charter Wire is hiring a Process Engineer!

Alternative job title: Manufacturing Engineer

Job Summary:

Help improve how we manufacture today while shaping how we operate in the future. In this hands-on role, you will partner closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Tool Design to improve manufacturing processes, solve operational challenges, and support the introduction of new processes and equipment. You will help evaluate new and existing processes, clarify process ownership across Production and Maintenance, and develop sustainable solutions that reduce recurring issues and reactive problem solving. Your work will include a mix of long-term improvement initiatives, shorter-term projects, and day-to-day technical troubleshooting focused on improving safety, quality, yield, throughput, and overall process reliability.

Position specifics:

• Location: Milwaukee WI
• Schedule: Onsite role supporting a 24/7 manufacturing operation. While a traditional salaried first-shift schedule is available, there is flexibility for earlier or evening hours based on preference and business needs. Once fully trained, occasional weekend support will also be required.
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Charter Manufacturing is unable to sponsor for employment visas at this time.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide technical support to operations by spending time on the floor learning processes, troubleshooting, and leading and/or participating on multiple process improvement teams.
• Create excitement, positive energy, and recognition (be an advocate) inside and outside of the business regarding CI accomplishments including internal reporting.
• Investigate, evaluate, develop project estimates, financial proposals, and manage a variety of operational projects.
• Facilitate/Lead corrective and preventative action teams resulting from customer complaints, internal quality problems, and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with Engineering on new component process and equipment planning.
• Drive variation reductions utilizing Process Control methodology.
• Define and document Standard Operating Procedures, OI’s for new and modified processes.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and facilitation in the evolution of the CI culture while supporting teamwork values.
• Identify and work to remove barriers that slow or prevent successful attainment of process improvement project goals.          
• Manage process data collection and analysis as part of project tracking and completion.
• Assist with establishing and tracking key operational metrics.
• Oversee development and maintenance of heat treat procedures and practices.
• Follow Environmental, Quality and Safety Management System procedures and requirements.
• Ability to meet the essential job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation, as outlined in the job description.

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field.
• Three plus years’ experience in a manufacturing environment improving processes.
• Knowledge and experience with lean manufacturing methodologies and problem-solving techniques including Kaizen, 5S and 6σ.
• Basic 2D/3D CAD software skills.
• Technical skills in manufacturing processes and methods including flow, layout, assembly, and production equipment.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Self-starter with strong analytical skills.
• Capacity to work in process improvement teams as a teacher, leader, and as a member.
• Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC), PFMEA, process control plans, process flow diagrams, and part routings.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient with the basis features of Microsoft Office products.

Nice to haves:

• Five plus years' proven track record of leading safety, quality, and process improvement teams within a manufacturing environment.
• Five plus years' experience in Heat Treat operations.
• Certifications in Six Sigma Green Belt or above from a recognized lean source.
• Demonstrated success in the application of lean/CI concepts in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with the Value stream approach a basis for Continuous Improvement.
• Familiarity with filament-based 3D printing.
• Proven project management including Kaizen projects.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar software.
• Proficiency with statistical and flow charting/process mapping software.
• Leveraging AI in a production environment.

Take the next step in your career, apply today!

About Charter Wire

Charter Wire is a leading Tier 1 supplier and manufacturer of Engineered Shaped Wire, Cold Finished Bar, and Cold-Headed and Stamped Components to various industries, including Automotive, Agriculture, Construction, Consumer, Industrial and Oil & Gas. Charter Wire is a member of the Charter Manufacturing family of companies. 

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We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan that includes employer matching and profit sharing. Additionally, we offer company-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and paid time off (PTO).