Manufacturing Engineer

About Wolverine Advanced Materials

Wolverine Advanced Materials produces and sells performance-critical, specialty elastomer-coated metals used in gaskets for automotive & industrial applications; automotive brake noise insulators and NVH (noise, vibration & harshness) damping solutions for automotive.

Wolverine employs approximately 600 people worldwide and has manufacturing operations in Virginia, Florida, Germany, and China, as well as sales & technical offices in Michigan, Germany, Japan, China, Brazil, and India.

Wolverine Advanced Materials, an entity of Center Rock Capital, is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance materials. Our core competency is in performance-critical, specialty elastomer–coated metals that offer damping and seal-ability solutions in the automotive and gasket industries.

Center Rock Capital is a company where they see potential where others may not look; and as a team we can find the right solution to the right challenge.

For more information, visit centerrockcp.com or wamglobal.com.

About the role

The Process Engineer supports manufacturing operations by providing technical guidance on shop floor methods and processes for assigned equipment. Maintains and ensures the accuracy of Manufacturing Process Planning documentation and labor standards. Drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance Safety, quality, delivery and cost reduction.

 This position is located on site in Blacksburg, VA. (no remote work).

What you'll do

• Provide process input to design engineering, including tooling, fixtures, validation, and ensuring key characteristics and tolerances are defined.
• Collaborate with product and process development teams to establish robust manufacturing processes, including PFMEA, validation/verification, documentation (DHR/DMR), and final product release.
• Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Six Sigma projects, Kaizen workshops, 5S, value stream mapping, and manufacturing optimization to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Develop, update, and maintain all manufacturing process documentation (e.g., process plans, routings, BOMs, SMPs, Work Instructions), ensuring compliance with engineering changes and quality system requirements.
• Apply advanced methodologies (DOE, FMEA, SPC, Cpk, Gage R&R) and structured problem-solving techniques to reduce variation, enhance process capability, and resolve production issues.
• Provide technical support and training to shop floor personnel, resolving production issues and driving improvements in manufacturing processes.
• Partner with suppliers and purchasing teams to interpret drawings, develop manufacturing documentation, resolve technical issues, and recommend equipment acquisitions to improve manufacturing capability.
• Identify and implement improvements in manufacturing methods to enhance product quality, schedule performance, and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements and quality standards by supporting audits, corrective/preventive actions, process validations, and capacity analyses.
• Travel as required to support business needs.
• Perform additional duties as needed, such as print checking, fixture design, and process validation.

The organization shall maintain documented information that demonstrates that all employees are aware of their impact on product quality and the importance of their activities in achieving, maintaining, and improving quality, including customer requirements and the risks involved for the customer with non-conforming product. If there are gaps within an employee’s competency and job position requirements, then additional training will be evaluated, and the employee will be responsible for gaining certification or training as appropriate.

The above is intended to describe the general content of, and the requirements for, the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline (BSME, BSIE) with at least 2 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment providing direct process support.
• Experience using risk management tools such as PFMEA and control plans.
• Knowledge of metal stamping and rubber coating manufacturing is preferred.
• Training and experience in practices such as TPM, FMEA, SPC, DOE, VSM, 5S, and Lean Six Sigma is strongly preferred.
• Shainin Red X and Six Sigma Green Belt certification preferred.
• Proficient in PC-based software, including word processing, spreadsheets, project management, statistical analysis, and CAD/CAM tools.
• Values others’ ideas and demonstrates experience working effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work well with a diverse group of people.
• Works well under pressure and manages multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Results-oriented self-starter with initiative.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

Salary Range: $80,000-$110,000

Bonus and competitive benefits.

**Wolverine Advanced Materials is an Equal Employment Opportunity Company