Job Openings
Manufacturing Process Engineer
About the job Manufacturing Process Engineer
Manufacturing Process Engineer
Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite
Compensation: $90,000 – $95,000 base salary
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package
Relocation: Midwest relocation considered
Openings: 1
Position Overview
HireNow Staffing is confidentially partnering with a heavy industrial manufacturing operation in Waterloo, Iowa seeking a seasoned Manufacturing Process Engineer to drive measurable performance improvements across production operations.
This role requires a technically strong, hands-on engineer who understands how to translate process analysis into real-world manufacturing improvements. The ideal candidate has demonstrated stability in prior roles and a proven ability to support both production teams and product engineering initiatives. Candidates with frequent short-term employment history will not be considered.
This is a fully onsite position requiring close collaboration with operations, tooling, and design teams.
Core Responsibilities
Process Optimization & Efficiency
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Evaluate current production methods to identify bottlenecks and process constraints.
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Implement measurable improvements to cycle time, scrap reduction, throughput, and labor efficiency.
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Develop standardized work instructions and refine machine setup procedures.
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Drive waste reduction initiatives across manufacturing lines.
Cross-Functional Engineering Support
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Partner with Product Design to ensure manufacturability of new and revised products.
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Provide technical feedback during design reviews to improve production feasibility.
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Support transition of new processes, equipment, and tooling into full production.
Tooling & Production Support
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Oversee tooling performance including molds, dies, fixtures, and gauges.
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Support troubleshooting of tooling-related production issues.
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Coordinate modifications and continuous improvement updates to tooling systems.
Root Cause & Data-Driven Analysis
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Lead root cause investigations related to quality issues and production inefficiencies.
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Analyze production data to detect trends and recommend corrective action.
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Monitor and improve key process metrics such as yield, scrap, downtime, and cost per unit.
Project Execution
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Manage assigned engineering projects from planning through implementation.
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Ensure initiatives are delivered within defined scope, timeline, and budget.
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Support safety, compliance, and quality standards across operations.
Required Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)
Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline).
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Proven manufacturing or process engineering experience within an industrial production environment.
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Experience supporting manufacturability reviews in collaboration with product design teams.
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Hands-on exposure to tooling systems such as molds, dies, fixtures, and gauges.
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Demonstrated project execution experience in a manufacturing setting.
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Strong analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities.
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Stable employment history with demonstrated tenure.
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Ability to work 100% onsite in Waterloo, Iowa.
Preferred Qualifications (Strongly Emphasized)
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Experience in die casting or heavy industrial manufacturing environments.
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Exposure to APQP, PFMEA, and structured process documentation systems.
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Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
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Background in high-volume production operations.
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Proven ability to drive cost reduction and operational efficiency projects.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking professionals who:
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Bring an operational mindset beyond theoretical engineering.
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Are comfortable working directly on the manufacturing floor.
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Communicate effectively with production, tooling, and engineering teams.
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Take ownership of projects and drive measurable results.
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Value long-term growth and stability within a manufacturing environment.
Deal Breakers
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No manufacturing or process engineering experience.
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Design-only engineering background without plant exposure.
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No tooling exposure.
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Unwilling to work onsite.
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Unstable work history with multiple short-term roles.