Director of Process Engineering
📍 State College, Pennsylvania
đź’° $180,000 - $200,000
🏢 Full Time
**About This Opportunity**
This isn’t just another leadership role—it’s a chance to build something from the ground up. A well-established consumer products manufacturer in State College, PA is creating a brand-new Director of Process Engineering position, and they’re looking for someone who thrives on shaping structure, driving real change, and leaving a mark. You won’t just manage processes; you’ll define how three plants operate, stabilize their engineering functions, and set the stage for long-term excellence. If you’ve ever wanted to take the reins of a role where your fingerprints are on every improvement, this is it.
**What You’ll Do**
You’ll start by diving deep into the process engineering departments across three plants—two of which share the same campus. Initially, you’ll work without direct reports, using your hands-on expertise to assess, streamline, and stabilize operations. Once you’ve built trust and momentum, you’ll lead a team of both managers and engineers, coaching them to elevate their own performance. Your core mission: identify gaps, drive continuous improvements, and ensure every line runs at peak efficiency. Expect to balance strategic planning with day-to-day problem-solving, from data analysis to project management. You’ll also champion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, applying your Green Belt (or higher) to eliminate waste and boost quality.
**Who You Are**
- You hold a BS in Engineering and have at least 5 years of experience in process engineering, project management, and continuous improvement—ideally within consumer products or high-speed manufacturing.
- You’ve managed engineers before, and you’re comfortable leading managers too. You know how to mentor, develop, and inspire people, not just direct them.
- You’re a data-driven decision-maker who can analyze complex processes and translate numbers into actionable improvements.
- Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma are second nature to you. A Green Belt is required; a Black Belt is a plus.
- Paper industry experience? Nice to have, but not a dealbreaker.
- Your career path likely started as a Process Engineer, then moved into engineering management. You’re at a level where you’re ready to shape a department—not just run it.
**Why This Role Stands Out**
This isn’t a position for someone who wants to inherit a polished team. It’s for a builder—someone who relishes the challenge of creating order from complexity, then stepping back to let others shine. You’ll have the autonomy to design processes, the authority to implement changes, and the support of a stable, established company. Plus, you’ll be based in State College, PA—a vibrant community with a strong sense of place.
**Compensation & Perks**
- $180,000 - $200,000 per year
- The chance to leave your mark on a growing operation
- A role that evolves with you, from hands-on leader to strategic director
Ready to build somethi