Knowles Corporation Logo

Knowles Corporation

Sr. Process Engineer

Posted 2 Hours Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Valencia, CA
90K-110K Annually
Senior level
In-Office
Valencia, CA
90K-110K Annually
Senior level
Leads the development, optimization, and strategic direction of manufacturing processes for multilayer capacitor devices. Drives process improvement, yield, throughput, quality, cost, automation, and reliability initiatives using statistical analysis, DOE, Lean, and Six Sigma. Leads technology implementation, equipment qualification, validation, NPI, root-cause investigations, risk assessments, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration. Mentors engineers and provides technical leadership across manufacturing operations.
The summary above was generated by AI
Job Summary & Responsibilities

Job Overview:

The Staff Process Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for the development, optimization, and long-term strategic direction of manufacturing processes for multi-layer capacitor devices. This role provides advanced engineering expertise to improve process capability, product quality, throughput, cost performance, and operational reliability. The Staff Process Engineer leads complex process improvement initiatives, supports new technology implementation, mentors junior engineers, and collaborates across Engineering, Quality, Operations, and Maintenance to drive world-class manufacturing performance.

 

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the technical owner and subject matter expert for assigned manufacturing processes and equipment.
  • Lead the development, optimization, and control of manufacturing processes to improve yield, throughput, quality, and cost performance.
  • Drive complex process improvement projects utilizing statistical analysis, DOE, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other problem-solving methodologies.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for automation, process standardization, waste reduction, and productivity improvement.
  • Lead root cause investigations for chronic manufacturing issues, customer complaints, quality escapes, and process deviations.
  • Analyze process capability and manufacturing performance data to establish improvement roadmaps and support strategic business objectives.
  • Develop, qualify, and scale new manufacturing technologies, materials, processes, and equipment from concept through production implementation.
  • Lead equipment evaluations, capital project justifications, installation activities, process validation, and production ramp-up efforts.
  • Provide technical leadership during new product introduction (NPI), ensuring robust manufacturing readiness and successful transfer to production.
  • Collaborate with Front End Engineering, Back End Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to resolve complex manufacturing challenges.
  • Establish process control strategies, key performance indicators (KPIs), and monitoring systems to ensure sustainable process performance.
  • Author and approve technical documentation, including process specifications, SOPs, work instructions, control plans, FMEAs, validation protocols, and engineering reports.
  • Support and lead risk assessments, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Participate in Daily Management (DM) meetings, production reviews, and leadership discussions, providing technical direction and escalation support.
  • Design and optimize manufacturing layouts, material flow, and production workflows to support business growth and operational efficiency.
  • Support supplier qualification activities and collaborate with vendors on equipment and process improvements.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and organizational objectives..

 

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Materials Science, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related discipline).
  • Minimum 5 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience, preferably within electronics, ceramics, semiconductor, medical device, aerospace, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex manufacturing process improvement and technology implementation projects.
  • Strong expertise in statistical analysis, Design of Experiments (DOE), process capability analysis, SPC, and root cause problem-solving methodologies.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement principles; Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
  • Experience supporting capital equipment selection, installation, qualification, and process validation.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and manufacturing data analysis tools.
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD software.
  • Strong understanding of process control methodologies, risk assessments, FMEA, and quality systems.
  • Ability to influence decisions and drive results across multiple functions without direct authority.
  • Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and technical documentation skills.
  • Proven ability to lead projects, mentor engineers, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Experience in multilayer ceramic capacitor, ceramic processing, thin film, semiconductor, or electronic component manufacturing is highly desirable.

 

Physical Requirements:

  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to observe small components through the use of a microscope
  • Mental and visual acuity necessary to perform duties
  • Effective coordination of manual dexterity
  • Effective concentration and coordination
Pay Range

$90,000 - $110,000 annually

Knowles Corporation Mountain View, California, USA Office

331 Fairchild Drive, Mountain View, United States, 94043

Similar Jobs

2 Hours Ago
Hybrid
113K-141K Annually
Senior level
113K-141K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Develops and optimizes industrial processes for microelectronics, including laser welding, hermetic testing, laser cutting, package sealing, painting, marking, and adhesive application. Leads process evaluations, Design of Experiments, statistical analysis, corrective actions, documentation, fixture design concepts, and design reviews. Partners with engineering and suppliers to improve manufacturability, yield, quality, safety, and cost performance while mentoring early-career engineers.
Top Skills: Co2 LasersDesign Of Experiments (Doe)Epoxy AdhesivesFiber LasersHermetic TestingLaser WeldingOptical Leak TestingRtv CompoundsStatistical Process AnalysisThermal Transfer Compounds
20 Days Ago
Hybrid
San Jose, CA, USA
111K-139K Annually
Senior level
111K-139K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Provides hands-on production support, troubleshooting defects and manufacturing equipment, training operators, and documenting work instructions. Supports advanced assembly and surface-mount processes, analyzes data using statistical methods and DOE, implements process controls, and leads continuous improvement projects. Collaborates cross-functionally to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, throughput, factory layout, and automation effectiveness. The role requires engineering experience in manufacturing and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Top Skills: Automation EquipmentDesign Of Experiments (Doe)Epoxy DispensersEutectic Die AttachGap WeldingPick-And-Place MachinesPwb Surface MountStatistical Process Control (Spc)Wire Bonding Machines
4 Hours Ago
In-Office
140K-180K Annually
Senior level
140K-180K Annually
Senior level
Greentech • Energy • Industrial
Own the design and delivery of helium process systems supporting an advanced nuclear reactor, from concept through commissioning and scaled production. Responsibilities include process analysis, PFDs and P&IDs, equipment specification, vendor and fabrication oversight, testing, integration, startup, troubleshooting, safety reviews, and operating procedures. The role collaborates across engineering, manufacturing, safety, quality, and supply chain while mentoring engineers and developing repeatable production practices.
Top Skills: Adsorption SystemsAsme B31.3Asme Section ViiiCompressorsFmeaGas AnalyzersHazopHeat ExchangersHelium Process SystemsInstrumentationP&IdsPfdsPipingPressure VesselsProcess ControlsThermal-Fluid SystemsValves

What you need to know about the San Francisco Tech Scene

San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attracts more startup funding than any other region in the world. Home to Stanford University and UC Berkeley, leading VC firms and several of the world’s most valuable companies, the Bay Area is the place to go for anyone looking to make it big in the tech industry. That said, San Francisco has a lot to offer beyond technology thanks to a thriving art and music scene, excellent food and a short drive to several of the country’s most beautiful recreational areas.

Key Facts About San Francisco Tech

  • Number of Tech Workers: 365,500; 13.9% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
  • Major Tech Employers: Google, Apple, Salesforce, Meta
  • Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, fintech, consumer technology, software
  • Funding Landscape: $50.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
  • Notable Investors: Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners, Greylock Partners, Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins
  • Research Centers and Universities: Stanford University; University of California, Berkeley; University of San Francisco; Santa Clara University; Ames Research Center; Center for AI Safety; California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account