Associate Manager, Process Engineering, Irvine, CA

The Associate Manager, Process Engineering leads engineering and technician teams to optimize manufacturing, improve yield, and reduce costs, acting as a bridge between the Process Development and the Operations teams. They drive continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma), manage project timelines, and ensure safety/quality standards. This role is on-site in Irvine, California.

What you will do

• Lead and develop engineers and technicians through mentoring, coaching, performance feedback, and day ‑ to ‑ day technical leadership.
• Drive operational KPIs including first ‑ pass yield, scrap reduction, OEE, and cost/unit improvement through process optimization and Lean initiatives.
• Lead cross ‑ functional projects from concept through implementation, managing scope, timelines, risks, and budgets.
• Identify , analyze, and resolve complex manufacturing and process issues using structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Translate business objectives into executable engineering initiatives aligned to cost, capacity, and operational priorities.
• Own capacity planning, resource allocation, and capital expenditure ( CapEx ) planning to support pilot and production needs.
• Develop, analyze, and leverage dashboards, metrics, and statistical tools to support data ‑ driven decision making.
• Identify and execute sustainable cost ‑ reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
• Build strong cross ‑ functional partnerships and influence senior stakeholders to drive operational excellence.
• Operate effectively in a fast ‑ paced, evolving environment while maintaining focus on execution and results.

What you need

• Bachelor of Science degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field.
• 6+ years of applicable experience in manufacturing or process engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including mentoring, coaching, and developing engineers and technicians.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills and leadership presence, with the ability to influence across functions.
• Working knowledge of medical device manufacturing compliance, including ISO standards, FDA regulations, and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

Preferred

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Prior direct people management experience.
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and advanced process monitoring tools.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and pilot manufacturing environments.

United States of America Pay Ranges:

• ​ US15 : $89,400 - $148,900 USD Annual

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