Zoltek, a subsidiary of Toray Group, is a world leader in the research, development, manufacture and distribution of industrial grade carbon fiber. Our mission is to lead the commercialization of carbon fiber through our development of a price-competitive, high-performance reinforcement for composites used in a broad range of commercial products. Carbon fiber-reinforced composites are remarkable in their performance characteristics and properties that include high strength, low weight, high stiffness, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and electrical conductivity. Our target markets include wind energy, automotive, offshore drilling, marine, infrastructure, and many other diverse industrial markets. We currently employ over 1,500 employees at manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Mexico and Hungary, and our sales and distribution network is worldwide. 

The Process Engineer will contribute to the continuous improvement of product quality through the design and development of new technology and processes, equipment improvement, efficiency improvement projects, and start-up operations. The Process Engineer will lead the design, installation and improvement of Zoltek’s precursor and continuous carbon fiber production processes and equipment, requiring the integration of people, equipment and materials. He/she will utilize a hands-on approach as well as strong project management processes. The Process Engineer will work with operations in Hungary, Mexico and the United States. A 3-6 months long initial training program will be offered in Hungary to learn the necessary processes and technology, and regular travel to all global sites are expected.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and manage equipment and technology improvement projects to improve overall production costs, safety and environmental impact of our precursor and carbon fiber production
• Manage cross-functional and cross-cultural project teams, travel to global production sites  as needed (U.S., Hungary, Mexico)

• Monitor and ensure compliance with established technology and quality procedures, control changes to ensure consistency and share best practices
• Oversee the development of new production related processes, run and document experiments
• Actively manage continuous improvement of product quality
• Work closely with Project Engineering and plant management,  participate in periodic meetings to plan, review and monitor plant operations and technology projects
• Maintain and submit periodic project documentation and status reports to the manager
• Prepare and present statistical analyses and reports related to process performance and improvements, work with Quality Control to resolve underlying technological causes of non-conform products and product inconsistencies, participate in audits as needed
• Participate in the training of technicians, production foremen and operators related to new technologies and processes
• Collaborate with R&D teams on new product and process development projects

• Bachelor’s degree required in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials  or Industrial Engineering or Polymer Chemistry, Master’s degree a plus
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in carbon fiber manufacturing, textile/spinning or other related industries required
• Min. 2 years’ experience in project management, CAPM/PMP a plus
• Ability to comprehend and apply engineering principles and statistical theory to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 
• Hands-on, capable of planning own work schedule and priorities
• Knowledge of Quality Systems including ISO-9001 
• Excellent organizational, analytic, problem solving and decision making skills
• Ability to effectively present information to top management
• Capable of working with minimal supervision, possesses a strong sense of responsibility
• International work experience desired
• Fluency in English required, Spanish or Hungarian language skills a plus
• Ability to travel for 3-6 months for initial training to Zoltek’s facility in Hungary
• Ability to travel up to 30% 

Zoltek offers a competitive pay and benefits package. Benefits include:

• Medical plan
• Dental plan
• Vision insurance
• Prescription drug benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday pay
• Tuition assistance program
• Short term and long term disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Optional life insurance 
• 401(k) program.

Application:

For immediate consideration for this position, please submit your resume online. Zoltek is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides a drug free work place.