Our people – not our machinery - are our biggest assets. DIS-TRAN Steel’s leadership team lives by our company values, modeling our culture of respect and integrity each day. We're a team that likes to have fun, but we also know how to get stuff done.
DIS-TRAN Steel is looking for a Process Development Engineer to join our team in Pineville, La. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who wants to design, test, and implement manufacturing processes on the shop floor—not just analyze them from a desk. You will work directly with operations, welding, fabrication, and equipment teams to develop new processes, improve existing ones, and take ideas from pilot trials through full-scale production. If you enjoy solving real manufacturing problems in a heavy steel environment and seeing your work turn into tangible improvements in throughput, quality, and safety, this role was built for you.
EXPECTATIONS:
Develop and implement manufacturing processes by working hands-on with welding, forming operations, cutting processes, fixtures, and emerging automation to improve throughput, quality, and safety.
Evaluate operational processes, develop and implement optimization experiments, incorporate successful process improvements into designs and plans, develop new processes to support operational needs
Evaluate proposed new equipment technology. Provide professional evaluation of manufacturing technology additions or changes. Conduct evaluations of system with a focus on safety, productivity and efficiency improvements.
Be capable of testing and conducting thorough evaluation of changes with proposed productivity gains along with justifications.
Conduct and lead pilot process implementation. Provide guidance, leadership, and support for both scaling new processes and technology. Provide direct oversight with operations team on process change implementation
Will be required to conduct and participate in cross-functional collaboration
Must be adept in project management, including scope definition, scheduling, cost and resource planning
This position may involve direct or indirect management of team members.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PROCESES DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER:
Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, process development, or industrial engineering in a heavy manufacturing or fabrication environment.
Proven experience with steel fabrication processes such as welding, plasma/laser cutting, forming, machining, and assembly.
Experience with automation, robotics integration, and Industry 4.0 Initiatives
Demonstrated success in leading process improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.) and deploying new manufacturing technologies.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, experimental environment.
Proficiency with CAD, process simulation, and data analysis tools preferred.
Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with pilot plant operations, prototyping, process creation, R&D manufacturing environments
Familiarity with ERP & MES systems
Familiarity with simulation tools and digital twin technology
Knowledge of lean manufacturing, six sigma, and continuous improvement projects
Familiarity with business financials
Entrepreneurial experience
