Senior Process Development Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 15, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 6, 2026. JTEKT North America scores B on the Alion truth index.
TITLE
Senior Process Development Engineer
COMPANY
JNA
DEPARTMENT
Production Engineering
LOCATION
Greenville SC
CLASSIFICATION
Salaried Exempt
REPORTS TO
Manger - Metalworking
GRADE
Technical ladder - grade 6 (Commensurate to exp)
Summary/Purpose
Metalworking (machining, grinding, and finishing) is a core technology within JTEKT. This position works on high-priority metalworking development projects that directly impact plant productivity and product quality. The role focuses on developing and optimizing machining and grinding processes for both new product launches and continuous improvement of existing operations. Work involves applying advanced technical expertise to solve complex process challenges while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and under the guidance of senior technical leaders.
Essential Duties and Accountabilities:
Develop and optimize CNC turning and milling processes for new product launches and production improvement
Develop and optimize centerless and non-centerless grinding processes, including wheel, spindle, and dressing strategy
Design and validate robust work-holding concepts to ensure repeatable, capable production processes
Apply GD&T expertise to process design, datum strategy, and tolerance capability to ensure production feasibility
Conduct process capability studies, analyze statistical results, and implement improvements under direction of senior engineers
Troubleshoot complex machining and grinding issues related to tooling, vibration, thermal effects, and process stability
Investigate and evaluate new metalworking processes and technologies within assigned scope
Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reduction through tooling strategy, cycle time optimization, and waste reduction
Participate in design and validation of new manufacturing systems and assist in training of plant personnel
Support internal manufacturing teams and suppliers during launch and process improvement activities
Follow JTEKT quality gate systems, including PFMEA, process documentation, and capability confirmation
Travel to JTEKT manufacturing plants and suppliers to support process development and troubleshoot technical issues
Document process development work and share technical findings with team members
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong problem-solving skills with experience developing new or improved manufacturing processes
Solid technical understanding of machining, grinding, and finishing processes
Good mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of electronics and sensor technologies
Comfortable working in manufacturing environments and collaborating with cross-functional teams
Experience with equipment standards, metrology, and diagnostic tools
Experience with data acquisition systems (power monitoring, acoustics, accelerometers)
Proficiency with SolidWorks. Experience with Mastercam is a plus
Ability to work effectively under general direction and follow established procedures and policies
Education and Experience:
Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree (BSME or MSME)
Associate degree or technical certification acceptable with demonstrated advanced machining and grinding expertise
5-7 years of diverse metalworking experience in machining and/or grinding
Experience manufacturing automotive driveline or precision rotating components (e.g., full and half shafts, CVJs, bearings)
Experience with Electronic Power Steering (EPS) or Electronic Brake systems preferred
Experience supporting high-volume automotive production environments
Experience participating in PFMEA and Control Plan development
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
Work is primarily performed in an office environment with periodic exposure to manufacturing areas requiring appropriate personal protective equipment. Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs may be required.
Domestic and occasional international travel required, typically 10–30% depending on project phase, with higher travel during new launches and reduced travel during steady-state operations.