Process Engineer I

Description

Process Engineer I

The Gund Company | St. Louis, MO

This position is based on-site at our St. Louis, MO facility. Candidates must reside in the Greater St. Louis area

Launch Your Engineering Career with a Company Built on Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Are you an engineer who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and making a real impact on manufacturing operations? Are you excited by opportunities to work hands-on with production teams, lead improvement projects, and develop your technical expertise in a dynamic manufacturing environment?

If so, The Gund Company wants to hear from you.

At The Gund Company, we're more than a manufacturer of engineered electrical insulation materials. We're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and continuous learners who work together to support our customers and each other.

Our culture is guided by a simple philosophy:

Take Care of Each Other. Take Care of the Customer. Take Care of the Business.

As a Process Engineer I, you'll play a key role in supporting manufacturing operations, improving processes, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and developing solutions that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency. This is an ideal opportunity for an early-career engineer looking to gain hands-on manufacturing experience while working alongside experienced engineering and operations leaders.

What You'll Do

As a Process Engineer I, you'll learn the business from the production floor up while contributing to high-impact projects that improve operational performance.

Process Improvement & Manufacturing Support

• Apply engineering principles to improve manufacturing processes, product quality, safety, and operational efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on reducing waste, increasing throughput, and lowering production costs.
• Assist with engineering master updates, work order improvements, and process standardization activities.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, recommend improvements, and support decision-making.
• Participate in troubleshooting efforts to identify and resolve manufacturing issues.

Lean Manufacturing & Problem Solving

• Support and participate in Kaizen events and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Utilize structured problem-solving tools such as: 
  • 5 Why Analysis
  • A3 Problem Solving
  • Root Cause Analysis
• Collaborate with operations teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Assist in corrective action activities and continuous improvement projects.

Engineering Project Management

• Lead and support facility improvement projects that drive measurable operational savings.
• Develop project plans and lead A3 improvement projects.
• Assist in developing capital equipment proposals and implementation plans.
• Manage project documentation, timelines, and execution activities.
• Support equipment installations, process changes, and manufacturing improvements.

Technical Documentation & Design

• Create and maintain: 
  • Work Instructions
  • Standard Operating Procedures
  • Visual Work Standards
  • Engineering Documentation
  • Training Materials
• Develop CAD drawings and tooling designs using SolidWorks or similar software.
• Create technical reports and "white papers" evaluating new materials, processes, and equipment capabilities.
• Design and execute test plans and production trials to evaluate process and material improvements.

Safety & Compliance

• Support compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Participate in risk assessments and corrective action programs.
• Promote a culture focused on workplace safety and continuous improvement.
• Partner with production teams to implement safe and effective manufacturing practices.

What You'll Gain

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Work directly with production, engineering, and plant leadership teams
• Gain hands-on manufacturing engineering experience
• Lead meaningful continuous improvement projects
•  Develop project management and capital project experience
• Build Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence skills
• Grow your engineering career within a collaborative and supportive environment

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related discipline).
• Foundational understanding of engineering principles and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and production floor environments.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 to 4 years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• Experience with CAD software, preferably SolidWorks.
• Exposure to CNC machining, composites, thermoplastics, thermosets, or related manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience analyzing manufacturing data and creating technical reports.
• OSHA safety knowledge or experience in industrial environments.
• Familiarity with project management practices and capital equipment projects.

Why Join The Gund Company?

At Gund, we believe our people are our greatest competitive advantage. We invest in employee development, foster innovation, and create opportunities for long-term career growth.

Our Benefits Include

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match (50% match on up to 6% employee contributions)
• Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to support career growth
• Continuous learning and professional development opportunities
• Safe, collaborative, and team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful improvement projects from day one

Work Environment

This position operates in a combination of office and manufacturing environments. Success in this role requires collaboration with production personnel and regular interaction with manufacturing equipment and processes.

Travel is not required.

Physical Requirements

This position requires regular:

• Standing and walking throughout production areas
• Sitting and computer-based work
• Use of hands, arms, and engineering tools
• Communication with team members across various departments

Employees may occasionally:

• Bend, crouch, climb, or work near manufacturing equipment
• Lift materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds
• Perform inspections requiring near and distance vision

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Build Your Future with Gund

Whether you're a recent graduate or an early-career engineer looking to expand your manufacturing expertise, The Gund Company offers an environment where you can learn, grow, and make an immediate impact.

If you're passionate about engineering, continuous improvement, and solving real-world manufacturing challenges, apply today and start building your career with The Gund Company.

The Gund Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees have the opportunity to succeed.