Principal Process Engineer, Austin

Principal Process Engineer Value Driven Solutions (VDS) is looking for a Principal Process Engineer to join our interim executive bench, with this engagement deploying on-site at our PE-backed manufacturing client in the [Location] region. The Principal Process Engineer will be the technical authority on the floor— solving the yield, scrap, scale-up, and qualification problems middle-market clients can't crack on their own — and will transfer that capability to the client team before the engagement ends. The ideal candidate will enjoy hands-on root cause analysis and have the ability to dig into processdata, weigh experimental options, and deliver the best possible yield and capability outcome. The ideal candidate will apply their command of SPC, DOE, and capital project execution and communicate effectively with operators, engineers, and engineering managers. Responsibilities: Process engineering– Lead root-cause analysis on the most complex process and yield issues. Design, qualify, and validate new manufacturing processes including DOEs, capability studies, and PPAP. Drive scrap, rework, first-pass yield, and OEE improvement programs. Capital projects – Lead capital project specification, vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and start-up. Author and steward process documentation: PFDs, control plans, FMEAs, and standard work. Technical mentorship – Mentor process engineers and engineering managers; build technical depth in the client team. Partner with Quality, R&D, and Operations on NPI and sustaining engineering. Requirements: 12 years of process engineering experience in a manufacturing environment Mastery of statistical process control, DOE, GR&R, and capability analysis Hands-on capital project leadership including equipment specification and qualification Strong CAD / process modeling fluency Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; MS preferred Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred Industry depth in semiconductors, batteries, pharmaceuticals, food, or aerospace composites a plus About Value Driven Solutions Value Driven Solutions (VDS) is a management consulting firm dedicated to Operational Excellence for middle-market and private equity-backed manufacturers. Senior executives and PE investors worldwide rely on VDS to enhance enterprise value, expand margins, improve capital efficiency, reduce working capital, optimize supply chains, and prepare companies for sale. Our network of 10,000 Interim Executives and Experts is fully vetted, with an average of 20–30 years of experience — the top 1% of operating talent globally. Our experts enjoy a work culture that promotes hands-on impact, executive-level autonomy, and meaningful results. VDS engagement benefits include competitive contract rates commensurate with experience and seniority, structured engagement support through a dedicated VDS Engagement Partner, proven methodology and toolkits including the Value-Driven Approach® and Everything OpEx® frameworks, and continued business development between engagements. Experts can also take advantage of access to our 360° Client Alignment® process, deployment within days of engagement start, exposure to diverse industries (aerospace, food, consumer goods, industrial products, medical device, semiconductor, and battery manufacturing), and a structured Contract-to-Hire path that lets both Expert and client validate fit before conversion. All positions are Contract-to-Hire engagements; VDS facilitates the transition to permanent employment if and when the client and Expert elect to convert. Value Driven Solutions is an equal-opportunity employer. Powered by JazzHR