• Process Engineer - Battery Manufacturing

    Sandalwood Engineering & Ergonomics (Livonia, MI)


    When you join the Sandalwood team, you’ll join an engaging and inclusive group with a mission to help our customers identify, assess, and reduce work-related risks to quality, productivity, and employee health.

     

    Sandalwood Engineering and Ergonomics is seeking an experienced Manufacturing/Process Engineer to support a comprehensive range of engineering activities across multiple facilities. This role will play a critical part in the full manufacturing lifecycle—from process design and equipment procurement through validation, launch, and continuous improvement. The Manufacturing/Process Engineer will collaborate closely with design teams, global partners, and the Lead Engineer to ensure robust, efficient, and high-quality production processes.

    Key Responsibilities

    Process Engineering & Development

     

    + Develop, optimize, and document stable manufacturing processes.

    + Produce and maintain Process Flow Diagrams, work instructions, and SOPs.

    + Create and modify 2D/3D CAD drawings for tooling, fixtures, and layout designs.

    + Evaluate workforce utilization, space requirements, and workflow for peak efficiency.

     

    Equipment Procurement & Installation

     

    + Support schedule tracking and management for equipment design, build, and implementation.

    + Develop detailed equipment specifications based on product and safety requirements.

    + Oversee installation and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment.

     

    Process Validation & Quality Assurance

     

    + Contribute to the development and review of PFMEAs, Control Plans, SCCAF, Error Proofing Matrices, Reaction Plans, SPC plans, and other quality documentation.

    + Support execution of IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols and summary reports.

     

    Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement

     

    + Perform root cause analysis and drive corrective/preventive actions.

    + Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, cost reduction, and waste elimination.

     

    Product Launch Support

     

    + Provide on-the-floor support during pilot, pre-production, and ramp-up builds.

    + Identify and resolve manufacturing issues during launch activities.

    + Prepare and distribute daily metrics and progress reports.

    Deliverables

    + Equipment specification packages

    + Procurement/installation project plans and status reports

    + Completed IQ/OQ/PQ validation documentation

    + Support PFMEA and Control Plan documentation

    + Version-controlled CAD drawings

    + Updated work instructions and SOPs

    + Root cause analysis reports

    + Launch progress and continuous improvement reports

    Requirements

    Education

    + Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

    Experience

    + 5–7 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role.

    + Proven experience in process development, equipment procurement, and installation.

    + Experience with process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) in a regulated industry preferred.

    + Hands-on involvement in new product launches from early concept to mass production.

     

    Technical Skills

     

    + Proficiency with AutoCAD for 2D/3D drawings and layout development.

    + Strong capability in PFMEA development, Control Plans, and related quality methodologies.

    + Skilled in root cause analysis and problem-solving tools.

    + Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methods.

     

    Travel

     

    + Travel is estimated at 25% on average, with up to 10% being international travel

    + During peak launch times, travel requirements may increase to up to 70%.

    Additional Requirements

    + Ability to work on-site daily at designated automotive facilities.

    + Willingness and ability to travel extensively during peak launch phases.

    + Strong cross-functional communication skills, including coordination with global teams across time zones.

    + Ability to participate in daily project alignment check-ins and report directly to the Lead Engineer.

     

    Benefits

     

    + Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

    + Retirement Plan (401k)

    + Profit Sharing

    + Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)

    + Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Holidays)

    + Short Term & Long Term Disability

    + Training & Development