PROCESS ENGINEER I – METALLURGY- Inman, SC
Location: Inman, South Carolina Company: International Wire Group – High-Performance Conductors Department: Engineering/Operations Employment Type: Full-Time
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL WIRE GROUP
International Wire Group is a leading manufacturer of copper and copper-alloy wire products used across a wide range of industries and applications. Our High-Performance Conductors facility in Inman, South Carolina, specializes in manufacturing advanced conductor products that require precision, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to quality.
POSITION SUMMARY
International Wire Group is seeking a Process Engineer I – Metallurgy to support manufacturing operations at our High Performance Conductors facility in Inman, South Carolina. This role will focus on improving manufacturing processes, evaluating material performance, supporting product quality, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
The Process Engineer will work closely with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams to identify process challenges, analyze data, resolve technical issues, and improve safety, quality, efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance.
This opportunity is well suited for a recent graduate or early-career professional with a background in metallurgical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related discipline who is interested in developing hands-on experience within a specialized manufacturing environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the development, evaluation, and improvement of wire-manufacturing processes.
- Apply materials science and metallurgical principles to conductor materials, copper alloys, and manufacturing processes.
- Monitor production processes and analyze data to identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, yield, efficiency, and cost.
- Investigate material, process, and product-performance issues and assist with determining root causes.
- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions in collaboration with production, quality, and maintenance teams.
- Support process trials, product-development initiatives, equipment qualifications, and the introduction of new materials or manufacturing methods.
- Evaluate the effects of processing conditions on material properties and finished-product performance.
- Assist with metallurgical testing, material characterization, sample preparation, and interpretation of technical results.
- Review production specifications, work instructions, process documentation, and engineering standards.
- Create and update standard operating procedures, process-control plans, technical reports, and training materials.
- Partner with production employees and supervisors to troubleshoot process and equipment concerns.
- Participate in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement initiatives.
- Use statistical and analytical tools to evaluate process capability, identify trends, and support data-driven decision-making.
- Support quality investigations, internal audits, customer concerns, and corrective-action activities.
- Assist with capital improvement projects, including equipment evaluation, installation, validation, and startup.
- Ensure assigned projects are completed within established timelines, budgets, and performance expectations.
- Maintain compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, quality, and company requirements.
- Perform additional engineering and operational responsibilities as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Foundational understanding of materials science, metallurgy, manufacturing processes, or metal-forming operations.
- Ability to analyze technical information, production data, and manufacturing problems.
- Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and organizational skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to prepare technical reports and clearly communicate findings and recommendations.
- Ability to work collaboratively with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and leadership teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Willingness to work in both office and manufacturing-floor environments.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and adjust priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing operation.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Internship, cooperative education, laboratory, research, or project experience related to metallurgy, materials science, manufacturing, or process engineering.
- Knowledge of copper, copper alloys, conductive materials, wire drawing, heat treatment, annealing, plating, or metal-forming processes.
- Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Understanding of root-cause analysis tools, including 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and corrective-action processes.
- Familiarity with statistical process control, process capability, design of experiments, or other data-analysis methods.
- Experience with quality-management systems, technical specifications, or engineering documentation.
- Knowledge of workplace safety practices and occupational hazards associated with manufacturing operations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of materials science and metallurgical principles as applied to conductor materials and wire-manufacturing processes.
- Ability to evaluate manufacturing processes and recommend practical improvements.
- Ability to collect, organize, interpret, and present technical data.
- Ability to identify problems, evaluate potential causes, and develop effective solutions.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
- Ability to build productive working relationships across departments and organizational levels.
- Ability to balance hands-on manufacturing support with project planning, documentation, and analysis.
- Willingness to learn new processes, materials, technologies, and manufacturing equipment.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This position regularly works within an active manufacturing environment and may be exposed to moving equipment, elevated noise levels, varying temperatures, and other conditions commonly associated with industrial operations. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn as required.
WHY JOIN INTERNATIONAL WIRE GROUP?
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Build hands-on engineering experience within a specialized manufacturing operation.
- Apply metallurgy and materials-science knowledge to real-world production challenges.
- Work directly with experienced engineering, operations, quality, and maintenance professionals.
- Contribute to process improvements with measurable operational impact.
- Gain exposure to advanced conductor products, manufacturing technology, and continuous improvement.
- Develop the technical and leadership capabilities needed for long-term career growth within International Wire Group.
International Wire Group is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.