Manufacturing Process Engineer
Dana · Danville, KY
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Process
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Automotive
- Posted
- Yesterday
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level process role at Dana (automotive) in Danville, KY. In this role, you will drive process improvements, support production, implement new technologies, and lead continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced Tier 1 automotive environment.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Root cause, FMEA, GD&T
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Process Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $91k–$130k.
Median of the low and high ends of 263 live postings that list pay, out of 778 process engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Kentucky plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 12 other live process postings in Kentucky.
- Experience asked
- More than usual (5+ vs 3+)
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Tooling 62%
- ✓ Root cause 46%
- ✓ New product launch 46%
- ✓ FMEA 38%
- SPC 38%
- ✓ Automation 31%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Kaizen, GD&T, Machining, Plant layout, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Process team at Dana
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from DanaAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Support daily manufacturing operations by troubleshooting issues and implementing sustainable process improvements.
- ◆Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including Kaizen events, cost reduction activities, and plant strategic projects.
- ◆Develop, optimize, and document manufacturing processes to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
- ◆Create and maintain key engineering documentation, including Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, Standard Work, and Work Instructions.
- ◆Implement and improve machining, assembly, and automation processes using data-driven analysis.
- ◆Support new equipment launches, including specification, procurement, installation, and validation.
- ◆Collaborate cross-functionally with production, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams to resolve issues and improve performance.
- ◆Analyze and disposition non-conforming materials, vendor deviations, and process variations.
- ◆Utilize problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, root cause analysis) to address internal and customer-related concerns.
- ◆Apply Lean manufacturing principles to eliminate waste, improve flow, and optimize plant layout.
- ◆Ensure processes meet safety, ergonomics, and environmental requirements.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (or equivalent experience).
- ✓3–5 years of hands-on experience or a combination of education and experience in a manufacturing environment (automotive preferred).
- ✓Proven ability to support production and implement process improvements.
- ✓Experience in introducing new technologies, automation, or process changes into production.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets – passenger vehicle and commercial truck equipment – Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.
Job Purpose
We are looking for a hands-on, results-driven Process Engineer to support and enhance our manufacturing operations. In this role, you will drive process improvements, support production, implement new technologies, and lead continuous improvement initiatives in a fast-paced Tier 1 automotive environment. This position plays a critical role in ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are achieved.
Skills
- •Tier 1 automotive supplier experience.
- •Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
- •Experience supporting equipment launches and capital projects.
- •Familiarity with Industry 4.0 tools (data collection, process monitoring, automation systems).
- •Strong problem-solving skills using structured methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, RCA).
- •Ability to perform statistical analysis and interpret process data.
- •Working knowledge of AutoCAD or similar design software.
- •Ability to read and interpret blueprints and GD&T.
- •Understanding of machining, assembly processes, and manufacturing systems.
- •Commitment to maintaining a safe working environment
- •Flexibility to support off-shift or weekend activities as needed
- •Ability to work on the plant floor for extended periods
Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters
Please note that as per Dana policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Dana will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.