Process Engineer

About Heraeus Covantics

We are one of the leading materials specialists in the production and processing of high-purity quartz glass and other high-quality materials such as ceramics and innovative composites. With a global team of over 2,000 employees and locations in Europe, the USA, and Asia, we specialize in manufacturing semi-finished products, complex system components, and customized solutions for the information and telecommunications industry, the production of specialty fibers for industrial and medical applications, semiconductor manufacturing, and optics.
In our company, you can expect an innovation-driven work environment, global teamwork, and the opportunity to take an active role in social and environmental responsibility. Become part of our team and shape the future with us!

Summary

The Process Automation Engineer develops, implements, and optimizes automated manufacturing systems and process control solutions within advanced ceramic production. This hands-on role drives improvements in process capability, equipment performance, product quality, and operational efficiency through automation, process monitoring, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Working closely with Engineering, R&D, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and IT teams, the Process Automation Engineer leads automation projects, supports equipment integration and manufacturing data systems, and helps scale manufacturing processes from development through production. The role plays a key part in optimizing manufacturing operations while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. The role also supports technology scouting, Industry 4.0 initiatives, new product introductions, and continuous improvement while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

Your Role and Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, implement, and optimize automation and process control solutions for ceramic manufacturing processes including powder preparation, sintering, grinding, lapping, and polishing.
• Establish and continuously improve process control strategies, automation standards, and operating parameters to ensure product quality, yield, and throughput.
• Lead process automation projects from concept through implementation, validation, start-up, and operational handoff.
• Develop and support PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial communication systems to improve equipment reliability, process visibility, and traceability.
• Integrate manufacturing equipment with production data systems and digital manufacturing tools to support operational performance and decision-making.
• Apply Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability analysis, and data analytics to drive process improvements and reduce variation.
• Troubleshoot and optimize manufacturing equipment, control systems, and processes to improve uptime, productivity, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Engineering, R&D, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and IT teams to evaluate and deploy new technologies and manufacturing solutions.
• Support equipment commissioning, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensure all automation and process improvement activities comply with applicable safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

What is required for the role:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3–7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process engineering, automation engineering, or industrial automation within a production environment.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and process control technologies.
• Experience applying Statistical Process Control (SPC), process capability analysis, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using manufacturing and data analysis tools such as Minitab, JMP, Power BI, or equivalent.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, manufacturing data systems, equipment connectivity, MES, SQL databases, OPC UA, MQTT, or similar technologies is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership with a proven track record of influencing colleagues, peers, and cross-functional teams to achieve goals and drive decision-making without formal authority.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a hands-on manufacturing environment requiring regular presence on the production floor.