Process Engineer (Frederick)
The Process Engineer at Confidential Client is responsible for monitoring and improving the production process of a novel engineered wood product. This hands-on, on-site role involves administering production trials, analyzing data to optimize throughput and quality, and collaborating closely with production and R&D teams to implement process improvements during scale-up.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role summary
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Process Engineer to support an on-site production facility in Hood College, MD. This hands-on manufacturing role focuses on monitoring a growing production line, running and evaluating production trials, troubleshooting deviations, and turning floor observations into repeatable engineering improvements. This is not primarily a new-process design role — it’s about scaling, stabilizing, and improving an existing industrial process.
What You’ll Do
- Monitor day-to-day production: track key process variables, flag deviations, and keep visibility into line performance.
- Design, set up, and run production trials to test parameter changes or troubleshoot issues.
- Collect, clean, and analyze trial and production data; compare results to baselines and specs.
- Produce clear go/no-go recommendations and documented protocols from trial results.
- Document findings and investigation outcomes so knowledge is shared across the team.
- Collaborate with operators, manufacturing engineering, and R&D to convert trial learnings into process changes.
- Help develop or refine data collection and monitoring tools (SPC charts, dashboards, logs).
Qualifications & experience
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering (chemical, mechanical, materials, industrial, etc.) or a hard science (chemistry, materials science, physics). Strong senior project or research experience in process/manufacturing is acceptable in lieu of industry experience.
- 0–2 years relevant experience: internships, co-ops, academic research, or lab work involving process monitoring, DOE, or hands-on testing qualify.
- Comfortable with data: able to pull, clean, and interpret production data using Excel, Python, JMP, Minitab, or similar tools.
- Structured, curious problem-solver: form hypotheses, design tests, and let data drive decisions.
- Strong written communication — you’ll document trials and investigations others rely on.
- Willingness to be on the production floor regularly; this is an on-site, hands-on role.
Physical demands
- Able to remain stationary 50–75% of the time with prolonged standing and equipment operation.
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds multiple times per day and push heavy carts.
- Able to navigate the facility and identify visual and audio signals.
- Able to maneuver small instruments and tools with precision.
- Able to be fitted for and wear a respirator when required.
What success looks like (first 6–12 months)
- You recognize off-spec conditions before they become yield or quality problems.
- You independently design and run several production trials from protocol to write-up.
- You lead at least one investigation from issue to documented root cause and corrective action.
- The team trusts your data and recommendations for process decisions.
- You build strong working relationships across the floor, lab, and engineering teams.
Work environment & logistics
This is a full-time, on-site position at Confidential Client’s production facility in Hood College, MD. Expect most days to combine production-floor observation, sample collection, and trial execution with desk time for data analysis and reporting. The environment is fast-paced and iterative as the process scales.
Compensation (estimated)
- Estimated annual pay: $84,994 (per job source). Exact compensation and benefits will be provided by Confidential Client during the hiring process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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