Process Engineer 1

Denso
Maryville, TN
On-site

Who this role is best for

Candidates with engineering education and hands-on manufacturing experience will find this hands-on role in process development and automation.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with a background in industrial or mechanical engineering and practical manufacturing experience
    — “Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related discipline), or equivalent practical experience”
  • Individuals who thrive in collaborative, cross-functional environments and enjoy continuous improvement initiatives
    — “Working closely with Production, Design Engineering, and cross functional teams”
  • Engineers with a strong foundation in CAD tools and process documentation for IATF compliance
    — “Create and Maintain process documentation (PFMEA, PCS, Process Flows, policies, etc.) in support of IATF”

Things to consider

  • The role requires direct engagement on the factory floor and may involve periodic overtime
    — “Willingness to work on the factory floor and engage directly with manufacturing processes and equipment”
  • Candidates must be prepared for up to 10% international travel and project milestones
    — “Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to ~10%) and to support periodic overtime during key milestones”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with process improvement and automation feasibility in resume and interview responses
    — “Process improvement, machine optimization, and automation feasibility”
  • Emphasize hands-on technical skills in equipment installation or robotic assembly
    — “New equipment specification development, installation and training”
  • Demonstrate familiarity with PFMEA and SPC in projects or previous roles
    — “Familiarity with basic manufacturing concepts such as PFMEA, SPC, process documentation, or standard work”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • successful new product launches
  • process improvements
Typical background
Bachelor’s degree in Engineeringhands-on technical or manufacturing engineering experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Process EngineeringNew Product IntroductionEquipment AutomationProduction SupportDocumentation

Preferred

Cross-functional CollaborationRoot Cause AnalysisAutomation Feasibility

Stack & domain

Manufacturing ProcessesProduction SupportProcess ImprovementMachine OptimizationAutomation FeasibilityRoot Cause AnalysisCountermeasure DevelopmentProduct And Process IssuesProcess DocumentationIATF3D And 2D CADSolidworksAutocadProduct DrawingsManufacturing TechnologiesTeamworkCommunicationProblem-solvingProactiveSelf-motivatedAdaptablePlanningSchedulingProject ManagementSafetyQualityManufacturingEngineeringProductionAutomation

About the role

Original posting from Denso

The Process Engineer plays a key role in turning ideas into real, working manufacturing processes. From early process concepts and new line launches to improving high volume production, this role offers hands-on opportunities to solve real manufacturing problems, develop new ideas, and make a direct impact on quality, productivity, and cost. Working closely with Production, Design Engineering, and cross functional teams, the Process Engineer applies creativity, technical knowledge, and structured problem solving to design, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes on the factory floor.

Basic Responsibilities:

Process & New Product Introduction

New product planning, introduction, trial preparation, and documentationProduction capacity studies, line layouts, cycle time studies, processing cost studies 

Equipment & Automation

New equipment specification development, installation and trainingNew equipment budget planning, quotation, procurement, and project managementManufacturing manual process automation (vision guided robotics and others) 

Production Support & Improvement

Lead and support production line continuous improvement initiativesProcess improvement, machine optimization, and automation feasibilityLead or support root cause analysis and countermeasure development for product and process issues 

Documentation & Compliance

Create and Maintain process documentation (PFMEA, PCS, Process Flows, policies, etc.) in support of IATF 

Qualifications General:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related discipline), or equivalent practical experienceStrong teamwork and communication skills; able to work effectively with cross-functional and multi-disciplinary teamsWillingness to work on the factory floor and engage directly with manufacturing processes and equipmentHands-on, proactive mindset with the ability to take direction, set priorities, and follow through on commitmentsDemonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate issues, develop countermeasures, and learn from resultsSelf-motivated and adaptable; eager to learn new technologies, methods, and processes in a changing manufacturing environmentAbility to plan work, manage schedules, and meet project deadlinesWillingness to share ideas, provide feedback, and contribute constructively in team and technical discussionsDemonstrates ownership, professionalism, and a positive attitude toward continuous improvementCommitment to safety and quality as top prioritiesWillingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to ~10%) and to support periodic overtime during key milestones such as new line installations 

Required Qualifications:

Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial education/backgroundHands‑on technical or manufacturing engineering experience, demonstrated through production support, process development, equipment, automation, or related engineering workStrong verbal and written communication skillsProficiency in MS Office applicationsFamiliarity with 3D and 2D CAD (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar tools)Ability to read and understand product drawings. 

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Work experience that demonstrated the ability to solve problems, learn, and actively adaptExperience may include deep expertise in a specific manufacturing area or broad exposure across multiple processes and systems.Practical experience of manufacturing technologies to leverage for safety, quality, productivity, or cost improvement including:Automated or robotic assemblyScrew tighteningSoldering, gel or sealant applicationAutomated machine vision inspectionFamiliarity with basic manufacturing concepts such as PFMEA, SPC, process documentation, or standard workExposure to manufacturing data, analytics, equipment connectivity, and process visibility 

This role provides opportunities to expand technical scope, influence manufacturing standards, and contribute to both near-term results and long-term process capability.

Benefits Summary:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Plans
  • 401K with 4% Company Match
  • Vacation/PTO and 13 Paid Holidays
  • Bonus Program
  • FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs
  • Company provided Life, Disability, ADD, and Business Travel Insurance
  • Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs
  • Various Optional Insurance Programs such as Legal, Identity Theft, Critical Illness, etc.
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Career Development and Ongoing Training
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)
  • Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
  • Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)

Candidates residing 50+ miles from the work location are eligible for relocation assistance.

Annual Salary: $73,000 - $91,000

Source: Denso careers

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