Process Development Engineer

Location: Greenville, SC

Grade:105

Onsite

Summary/Purpose

JTEKT is seeking a highly motivated Process Development Engineer with expertise in at least one of the following core manufacturing processes: induction heat treatment, spline rolling, shaft straightening, or friction welding. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in one of these areas and demonstrate the ability and desire to learn and contribute across the others.

This role frequently serves as a project manager or technical lead on strategic process development initiatives that directly influence productivity, product quality, and manufacturing innovation. Assignments often focus on deploying advanced technologies or significantly enhancing existing processes to provide a competitive edge. The emphasis is on developing robust, scalable, and high-throughput processes to support new product launches and improve operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities
• Investigate and recommend new processing technologies including induction heat treatment, spline rolling, shaft straightening, and friction welding; disseminate findings across global teams.
• Identify and document best practices for existing manufacturing processes and lead global implementation to standardize and improve operations.
• Serve as project manager or technical lead on major process development initiatives related to bearing, steering, and driveline component manufacturing.
• Conduct process capability studies (Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk) and drive improvements based on statistical analysis.
• Develop and deliver training programs for plant engineers and operators on new or improved processing technologies.
• Solve complex, high-impact problems related to forming, joining, and induction heat treatment through structured root cause analysis and cross-functional collaboration.
• Understand and apply the JTEKT Quality Gate Systems, including development of pFMEAs, control plans, and process flow diagrams, ensuring validated process capability.
• Travel to manufacturing sites and supplier locations to support production issues, process launches, and supplier development activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following processes: induction heat treatment, spline rolling, shaft straightening, or friction welding.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and foundational understanding of manufacturing process development and optimization.
• Eagerness and ability to learn additional manufacturing processes beyond current area of expertise.
• Comfortable working in hands-on manufacturing environments, and effective in collaborating with engineering, operations, maintenance, and suppliers.
• Experience developing equipment specifications and managing procurement, installation, and validation of new equipment and tooling.
• Familiarity with related processes such as machining, grinding, part cleaning, and coating is a plus.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., PTC Creo or SolidWorks) for process layout and tooling design.
• Preferred: knowledge in metallurgy and materials science, particularly in relation to steel heat treatment, weldability, and deformation behavior.

Education and Experience
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical or Metallurgical Engineering (BSME or MSME).
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering, preferably in the automotive industry.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is mostly performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment.
The performance of this position may occasionally require exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection.
• Occasional lifting is required - up to 50 lbs
• Domestic and International travel by automobile and plane required approximately 30% of time.