Talascend is currently seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer for a contract opportunity with our client in Wentzville, Missouri.
Overview
The Manufacturing Process Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and improving manufacturing processes, equipment, and automation systems within the paint department. The role ensures operations are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality, environmental, and production standards while maximizing throughput and minimizing costs.
Responsibilities
- Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing processes and equipment for assigned paint operations
- Define manufacturing processes, sequence of operations, and material flow to optimize productivity and efficiency
- Analyze process performance and implement improvements to enhance safety, quality, throughput, and cost
- Support development, testing, and implementation of advanced process technologies
- Review and justify capital expenditures related to process improvements and equipment upgrades
- Serve as the technical owner for paint automation systems, including troubleshooting robots, PLCs, and process controls
- Support robot programming, maintenance strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Utilize process control data to optimize paint application processes and improve quality performance
- Coordinate with production, maintenance, suppliers, and leadership teams to meet safety, quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost goals
- Provide technical assistance, coaching, and training to production and maintenance personnel
- Lead problem-solving efforts and drive issues to resolution
- Supervise and provide direction to hourly employees when assigned
- Ensure compliance with manufacturing standards and support continuous improvement initiatives
Qualifications
- 8-10 years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, automation, or related fields
- Technical degree strongly preferred; high school diploma with extensive experience considered
- Ability to read and interpret electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics
- Experience troubleshooting manufacturing processes and equipment
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills
- Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and alternative shift schedules
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a unionized manufacturing environment
- Knowledge of automotive manufacturing and paint shop operations
- Experience operating, programming, or maintaining FANUC paint and sealer robots
- Experience with FANUC controller platforms (RJ series, R30iA, etc.)
- Knowledge of paint chemistry and finishing operations
- Experience using automation simulation software such as PaintPro
- PLC programming and troubleshooting experience
- Ability to analyze process control data to optimize paint processes
Shift
The position requires working a 12-hour rotating shift, either 6AM – 6PM or 6PM – 6AM, with an alternate schedule of one week working five days and the following week working two days, including weekends and holidays as needed. Flexibility to cover vacation or additional shifts is necessary.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those qualified individuals who closely meet the qualifications of the position will be contacted. The details of the position are only a summary, other duties may be assigned as necessary.
Background Check and Drug Screen may be required.
Talascend is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.