Hiring a Process Engineer: Job Description, Pay, and More

Process engineers can save manufacturing and engineering firms money and reduce risk by designing and optimizing the production process. They use their engineering and mathematics knowledge to improve output quality, increase compliance, and boost customer satisfaction.

It’s their job to streamline and improve how a business achieves its goals—which can lead to innovation in product design, manufacturing processes, and business models. Looking to hire one? Here are the skills and qualifications to look for when you’re on the search for a process engineer.

Why Hire a Process Engineer?

Companies often depend on process engineers to develop new products, processes, or improve and optimize existing ones as these professionals have great impact on products used daily by consumers.

Some projects that require a process engineer can include:

Designing a new production line for a manufacturing plant
Developing a new process for extracting chemicals from raw materials
Optimizing production efficiency for a food processing plant
Reducing the environmental impact of a manufacturing process
Improving the safety of a manufacturing process
Improving the quality and reliability of an existing product

Overall, this role requires math and engineering expertise combined with creativity and problem-solving.

What to Include in Your Job Description

In addition to designing and optimizing processes, process engineers should also be able to communicate effectively with their team and stakeholders. Their skillset often has an unusual combination of hard and soft skills.

While specific responsibilities, credentials, and skills will vary depending on what your organization needs, here are some top requirements for process engineers.

Oversee, control, and analyze existing processes.

Conduct research and development to identify new and improved procedures.
Track key metrics to identify areas of improvement.
Document, troubleshoot, and resolve process problems.
Design, develop, configure, and test new equipment, procedures, and systems.
Use process simulation software.
Optimize existing processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Test, evaluate, and document new processes and equipment.
Communicate findings and proposed improvements to management.
Manage and oversee the implementation of new processes, providing thorough instructions.
Conduct risk assessments.
Ensure that processes comply with all applicable safety and environmental regulations.

Top Skills for Process Engineers

Once process engineers have identified a problem and solution, they communicate and collaborate with their peers to make the change. The top skills you may list in a job description include:

Proven industry knowledge
Technical expertise
Math skills
Proven ability to continually improve processes
Meticulous attention to detail
Experience troubleshooting, including identifying, assessing, and solving problems
Proficiency with process engineering software systems, including CAD or AutoCAD
Strong written and verbal communication skills
IT knowledge

Analytical and problem-solving skills
Effective collaboration
Track record of innovation
Knowledge of applicable safety regulations
Experience with documentation

Process Engineer Education and Experience

Process engineers typically have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in chemical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering. Some also have degrees in a related field like chemistry, physics, or mathematics. A solid technical and mathematics background is essential for success.

Along with a valid state engineering license, employers also tend to look for experience in quality or business process engineering in candidates.

Pay

According to Salary.com, the median salary for a process engineer in the U.S. is $75,474. The best salary to offer for your open position will depend on the education and experience you require. The more proven experience someone has, the higher the salary they can demand.

Process Engineer Interview Questions

Here are a few sample interview questions to consider asking when hiring a process engineer.

What do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses as a process engineer?
What do you enjoy the most about working as a process engineer?
Do you prefer to work as part of a team or do solo work?
What from your past work experience makes you an outstanding candidate for this position?
What certifications do you have related to workplace safety?
What strategies do you use to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders?
How strong are your written communication and writing skills?
If you are part of a team, how do you handle process issues that require other team members to resolve?
Walk me through a project where you improved a process in terms of cost, quality, or time.
What was your most successful and effective implementation, and what benefits did it generate?
Have you used process simulation software? Tell me about a project you completed using this software.
How do you stay current in your field? What resources do you use to stay informed?

Hire a Process Engineer

Finding the right process engineer can enhance your business operations and boost your bottom line. At Insight Global, we have a finely honed hiring process and a well-developed network of outstanding talent. If you need a process engineer or top talent to fill any position, we can efficiently help you find a great match. Connect with our team today to get started.