Process Engineer
Company: Utility Solutions, Inc
Location: Hickory
Posted on: February 21, 2026
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Job Description:
Founded in 1990, Utility Solutions is a designer and
manufacturer of hot-line tools and products for the electrical
power industry. Our success is based on working as a team to
deliver high-quality products and unsurpassed customer service. We
believe that each team member contributes directly to our growth
and success as a company. Come grow with us! We are seeking a
Process Engineer to join our team in Hickory, NC! The Process
Engineer is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and
continuous optimization of manufacturing systems across the
organization. Acting as a technical Subject Matter Expert (SME),
this role bridges engineering strategy with floor-level execution
to ensure production meets safety, quality, delivery, and cost
objectives. This position requires a highly hands-on, proactive
engineering leader who spends significant time on the production
floor working directly with operators to troubleshoot real-time
issues, while also driving long-term capital projects and strategic
efficiency initiatives. The Process Engineer collaborates closely
with CNC operations and internal manufacturing teams to support the
supply chain and ensure scalable, repeatable production processes.
Job Responsibilities: Process Design & Optimization - Design,
develop, and implement innovative manufacturing methods to improve
production flow, cycle times, throughput, and capacity - Conduct
time studies and capacity analyses to support data-driven decisions
- Lead process improvement initiatives, including tooling and
fixture design - Provide hands-on equipment support and
troubleshooting - Update and maintain SOPs to reflect best
practices and process changes - Lead 5S and workplace organization
initiatives - Improve changeover processes and reduce
non-value-added activities - Support product quality control,
quality assurance, and internal audits - Implement poka-yoke and
lean manufacturing principles Technical Leadership & Mentorship -
Serve as a technical leader and Subject Matter Expert for
manufacturing processes - Provide coaching, oversight, and
development for other engineers - Collaborate cross-functionally
with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams
Advanced Troubleshooting - Apply structured problem-solving
methodologies, including true root cause analysis and 5 Whys with
Preventive Actions (PA), Corrective Actions (CA), and Opportunities
for Improvement (OFI) Continuous Improvement - Champion Lean and
Six Sigma initiatives such as Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping,
and waste reduction projects - Drive improvements in yield, scrap
reduction, and overall equipment effectiveness New Product
Introduction (NPI) - Support the industrialization of new products
from prototype and R&D stages into full-scale manufacturing -
Ensure processes are scalable, repeatable, and production-ready -
Partner with CNC and internal manufacturing teams to ensure part
availability and manufacturability Required Qualifications: - 8
years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment -
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical,
Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering - Strong safety
orientation. Perform all tasks safely and responsibly. - Expertise
in CAD/SolidWorks for equipment, tooling, and layout design -
Experience with 3D modeling and 3D printing - Demonstrated ability
to lead process improvement and capital projects - Proven
problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills - Lean Six
Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt is a plus - Electronics and controls
troubleshooting experience is a plus - Strong mechanical aptitude
with hands-on equipment experience - Ability to work effectively on
the production floor and with cross-functional teams - Willing to
submit to a pre-employment drug screen and background check Work
Environment: - Approximately 25% office-based work and 75% time
spent on active production lines - Up to 10% travel may be required
for multi-site projects or vendor coordination
Keywords: Utility Solutions, Inc, Greensboro , Process Engineer, Engineering , Hickory, North Carolina
