Manufacturing Process Engineer – Cable Manufacturing

Operations Alajuela, Costa Rica


Description

Position at Samtec, Inc

Manufacturing Process Engineer - Cable Manufacturing
Shift: Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
100% on-site 
Job Summary:

The manufacturing Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing and sustaining cable manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, productivity, capacity, and cost performance. This role drives continuous improvement initiatives through data-driven decision making, Lean Manufacturing principles, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Quality, Product Engineering, and Global Manufacturing teams. 
The engineer will lead process optimization, process transfers, equipment qualification, and operational excellence initiatives while supporting the development of scalable, capable, and standardized manufacturing systems across the organization. 
Essential Functions:
1. Process Development & Optimization
  • Optimize, validate, and maintain core cable manufacturing processes to ensure processes are capable, scalable, safe, and cost-effective. 
  • Analyze and improve manufacturing performance metrics including OEE, throughput, yield, cycle time, labor efficiency, scrap, downtime, and capacity utilization. 
  • Lead process optimization initiatives through structured problem solving, statistical analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies. 
  • Identify and implement improvements in manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, material flow, factory layout, and workstation design to eliminate waste and improve productivity. 

2. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement 

  • Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including Value Stream Mapping, waste reduction, pull systems, one-piece flow, Kanban, and theory of constraints methodologies. 
  • Establish and monitor key factory performance indicators and support continuous improvement roadmaps aligned with business objectives. 
  • Perform time studies, labor analysis, and capacity assessments to improve operational efficiency and support growth initiatives.

3. Data Analysis & Process Control 

  • Apply statistical tools, Six Sigma methodologies, SPC, DOE, FMEA, and process control techniques to reduce variation and improve process capability. 
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret production and engineering data using Excel, Power BI, Minitab/JMP, R, Python, or similar analytical tools to support decision-making. 
  • Develop dashboards, reports, and performance metrics to drive operational improvements and monitor process health. 

4. Manufacturing Support & Quality 

  • Collaborate with Operations and Quality teams to identify process improvement opportunities and resolve manufacturing issues affecting safety, quality, delivery, and cost. 
  • Support investigations into nonconforming materials and products, implement corrective and preventive actions, and develop process control plans. 
  • Optimize manufacturing routings, labor standards, process documentation, and production methods to improve efficiency and accuracy. 

5. New Product Introduction & Global Support 

  • Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, manufacturing readiness assessments, and successful product launches. 
  • Support local and global manufacturing sites with process transfers, technology deployment, troubleshooting, best-practice sharing, and process standardization efforts. 

6. Equipment & Project Leadership 

  • Support machine and tool development by defining technical requirements, qualification plans, and validation activities. 
  • Manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously while balancing business priorities, schedules, budgets, and resource constraints. 
  • Work effectively with process technicians and production teams to plan, execute, and document engineering trials. 

7. Training & Standardization 

  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, work instructions, training materials, and process documentation. 
  • Provide technical training and mentorship to operators, technicians, and manufacturing personnel. 
    “The responsibilities defined are intended to serve as a general guideline for this position. Associates may be asked to perform additional tasks depending on strengths and capabilities.”
    Required experience:
    1. Minimum 3-5 years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field within a manufacturing environment.
    2. Wire and cable manufacturing experience preferred. 
    3. Polymer processing experience preferred. 
    4. Experience with continuous manufacturing processes preferred. 
    5. Strong experience in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies. 
    6. Experience applying SPC, FMEA, DOE, process control plans, and statistical analysis methods. 
    7. Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), process transfers, and manufacturing scale-up activities. 
    8. Experience working with vendors to specify, procure, and qualify manufacturing equipment. 
    9. Strong project management and organizational skills. 
    10. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence organizational results without direct authority. 
    11. Experience working with global manufacturing organizations is preferred. 
    12. Lifting Requirements: Light Work – must be able to lift up to 20 pounds regularly from the floor to the waist.
    13. Hazards: Must be willing to work with and around chemicals, machines and high-temperature tooling and equipment.  Must also be willing to follow all safety regulations and wear required protective gear (PPE).

    Education:

    • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, Production Engineering, or related discipline) required. 
    • Advanced English level (Mandatory).
    • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred. 
    • Lean Manufacturing certification preferred.

        SAMTEC, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to creating a diverse environment. All employment decisions at Samtec are based in business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity/expression, marital status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws. Privacy Policy: https://www.samtec.com/about/legal/#privacyrightspage