Kyocera International, Inc. is hiring a Process Engineer at our Hendersonville, NC facility!
Join Kyocera International, Inc. and help improve the manufacturing processes behind advanced fine ceramic products. As a Process Engineer, you’ll work closely with production, quality, facilities, and engineering teams to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and process consistency. This hands-on role offers the opportunity to lead improvement projects, support new equipment and process development, and solve technical challenges on the production floor.
Pay Range: $69,000-$100,000 per year (Actual base pay based on factors such as relevant experience, education, market, qualifications, and skills.)
With nearly 80,000 employees globally, Kyocera is a leading manufacturer of high-tech ceramics in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, Medical applications, and semiconductor processing. Our innovative materials are found in everything from smartphones to space shuttles!
Look at these PERKS!
- Competitive pay, benefits, and hours
- 120 hours of vacation accrued per year to start
- 10 Paid Holidays per year
- 401(k) with company match
- We have a Pension plan!
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible schedules
- Tuition reimbursement
We have a long-tenured staff (many with over 30 years of service!), a vital company mission, and an excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off to volunteer, paid leave options, tuition reimbursement, an employer-paid Pension and a 401(k) with both Roth and a healthy company match. Our larger locations also feature onsite gyms, walking tracks, exercise rooms, and employee gardens!
We strive to have a diverse workforce from all backgrounds, including minorities, women, and veterans, who bring their experience to support the innovation and quality that Kyocera is known for.
Kyocera International, Inc. also has a robust corporate culture and philosophy based on the experiences and writings of our founder, Dr. Kazuo Inamori, which you can learn more about here: https://global.kyocera.com/inamori/philosophy/. Our company motto is “Do the right thing as a human being,” and we try to use that motto constantly in our decision-making.
What you’ll do:
• Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes, equipment, and operating procedures to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.
• Support the setup, installation, testing, and commissioning of new production equipment and processes, working with internal teams and outside vendors as needed.
• Monitor manufacturing operations, collect and analyze process data, and make adjustments to improve yields, reduce variation, and maintain product quality.
• Investigate process deviations and production issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions using methods such as 8D, 5 Why, SPC, and other problem-solving tools.
• Develop, revise, and maintain work instructions, process documentation, and technical procedures in accordance with document control requirements.
• Train production personnel on new processes, equipment, and procedural changes to ensure consistent and accurate execution.
• Lead assigned projects from planning through completion, monitoring timelines, costs, results, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with production, quality, facilities, EHS, supply management, and other engineering teams to resolve technical and manufacturing challenges.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, FMEA, and statistical process control principles to improve process capability, reduce rework, and increase efficiency.
• Support kiln operations by ensuring processes meet established material, equipment, process, and customer specifications.
• Contribute to equipment upgrades, capital improvement projects, and the development of manufacturing best practices.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure manufacturing processes comply with applicable safety requirements, procedures, and standards.
What you’ll bring:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required.
• At least 2 years of experience in a production or manufacturing engineering environment, including process and equipment support.
• Hands-on mechanical and analytical experience in a laboratory or production setting.
• Experience managing projects and implementing process improvements from identification through completion.
• Knowledge of SPC, FMEA, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to investigate issues, interpret data, and determine root causes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to prepare technical documentation and presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with production teams, internal departments, and outside vendors.
• Knowledge of ceramic manufacturing, industrial parts processing, and material properties preferred.
• Ability to work in an ITAR-regulated environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree is required. Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen is required.
Physical Activities:
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to talk or hear; regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
Environmental Conditions:
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, work in high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Additional Information:
The above statements are intended to describe the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. The duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change and other duties may be assigned or removed at any time. This position may require exposure to information subject to US Export Control regulations, i.e.: the International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be US persons within the meaning of US regulations.
Kyocera International, Inc. values diversity in its workforce, and is proud to be an AAP/EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.
If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact Kyocera International, Inc. Human Resources team directly. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.