Process Engineer

AmeriStaff Employment and Staffing Solutions is currently seeking a Process Engineering Manager for a direct hire opportunity with a manufacturing client in Ridgeway, VA. This leadership role is responsible for applied engineering and process development for Nylon yarn and textile systems, driving innovation, product optimization, and technical problem-solving across yarn, fabric, and garment applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in textile engineering, chemical engineering, or polymer processing, with experience supporting customer-driven product development and continuous process improvement. ### Benefits of the Process Engineering Manager: - Direct Hire Opportunity - $90,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience - Comprehensive Benefits Package Available - Opportunity to lead innovative textile and process engineering initiatives ### Responsibilities of the Process Engineering Manager: - Lead engineering development, optimization, and validation of Nylon yarn-to-fabric systems using circular knitting, warp knitting, and weaving platforms. - Partner with new and existing customers to develop optimized yarn specifications tailored to specific fabric construction, performance requirements, and end-use applications. - Define, evaluate, and optimize yarn parameters including denier, filament count, cross-section, finishes, and interlace characteristics to meet targeted mechanical and functional performance standards. - Conduct root-cause analysis and troubleshoot technical issues related to yarn processing, fabric performance, dyeing, finishing, and garment functionality. - Collaborate closely with RandD, manufacturing, and production teams to implement process-driven innovation and continuous improvement initiatives. - Lead and oversee lab trials, pilot testing, mill trials, and benchmarking studies against competitive materials and technologies. - Support the development, implementation, and validation of sustainable Nylon and alternative material solutions. - Analyze and improve polymer processing, spinning performance, extrusion parameters, and thermal processing to maximize product quality and manufacturing efficiency. - Monitor and optimize chemical formulations, textile finishes, additives, and process chemistry to improve product performance and consistency. - Evaluate textile manufacturing variables such as tension, shrinkage, dye uptake, moisture management, durability, tensile strength, and fabric performance characteristics. - Develop and maintain process control strategies, quality standards, and performance metrics to ensure consistent manufacturing output. - Drive continuous improvement projects focused on waste reduction, efficiency, quality enhancement, and cost savings. - Provide technical leadership and engineering support for customer-driven product development and commercialization efforts. - Develop technical documentation, SOPs, engineering procedures, process guidelines, and training materials. - Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineering, technical, and production teams as needed. - Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards within engineering and manufacturing operations. - Perform additional duties as assigned by management. ### Requirements of the Process Engineering Manager: - Masters degree in Textiles required. - Degree concentration in Textile Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a related technical field strongly preferred. - Strong experience in textile manufacturing, Nylon yarn systems, polymer processing, or engineered textile products required. - Experience with circular knitting, warp knitting, weaving, yarn development, or textile performance testing preferred. - Knowledge of polymer chemistry, e trusion/spinning processes, textile finishing, and process optimization strongly preferred. - Experience with root-cause analysis, process validation, and continuous improvement methodologies. - Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills in a manufacturing environment. - Ability to interpret technical data and translate engineering findings into actionable process improvements. - Excellent communication and customer-facing skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners. - Experience leading technical projects, product development, or engineering initiatives preferred.