Job: Process Engineer

Job Description

Job Type: Full time, Salaried

Wage: $80,000-$140,000/yr.

Location: Penrose, CO.

Job Description:

Estes Energetics, along with its subsidiary Goex Industries, is an American manufacturer of black powder, chemicals, and rocket motors. Our agile and experienced team is proud to make products that support the Department of Defense, strengthen domestic production, preserve history, serve hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts, and ignite a passion for rocketry in our youth. Whether we’re performing research into energetic materials and products, or standing up American-made production, count on us to find a solution. 

Summary

Estes Energetics is seeking a Process Engineer to join our team in delivering high-quality black powder and other products. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing, designing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure product quality. The Process Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, quality control, and research & development, to implement process improvements and support production.

Essential Functions  

• Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing processes to enhance product quality, efficiency, and safety.  
• Investigate and resolve process-related issues in production lines. Work with operations teams to address technical challenges and minimize downtime. 
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation to ensure consistent product quality and compliance with industry standards. 
• Work closely with other engineering teams, quality control, and production personnel to ensure smooth implementation of process changes. Provide training and support to staff on new processes and technologies. 
• Ensure that all processes are compliant with relevant industry regulations and safety standards. Proactively identify and mitigate potential safety risks. 
• Identify opportunities for cost savings through process improvements, equipment upgrades, and automation. Analyze production workflows to improve overall efficiency and reduce waste. Ensure compliance with environment, health, and safety regulations. 
• Lead and manage process improvement projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and resource allocations. 
• Coordinate project teams, track progress, and ensure timely delivery of results. Provide regular updates to senior management on project status and key milestones. 

Competencies, Experience, and Education  

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• 4+ years of experience in process engineering or a related role in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to diagnose issues and implement effective solutions quickly.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and present technical information clearly.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute, and deliver process improvement projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills

Desired

• Experience in the manufacturing of explosives or other dry materials, with a strong focus on critical operations such as mixing, grinding, pressing, and material handling.
• Experience with the safety systems accompanying explosives or combustible dusts, such as Class II Div I electrical, grounding and bonding, non-sparking construction, and safe material handling practices.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Project management experience.

Work Environment 

The work will primarily be in an office and manufacturing environment, including outdoors. 

Physical Demands 

• Sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer 
• Use of mouse/computer keyboard 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds 
• Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment 
• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location 

Travel 

This position may require up to 30% travel to support process improvements, site visits, and cross-functional collaboration at other facilities. 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position. Typical workdays are Monday through Friday. Employees are expected to work 40 hours each week to maintain full-time status. Occasional overtime may be required during busy periods. 

Benefits 

• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Life and disability insurance – 100% paid by company 
• 401(k) retirement plan – 7% match 
• Single, comprehensive paid time off (PTO) policy
• 8 Paid Holidays 

Work Authorization 

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b. 

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program 

Estes Energetics provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Additional information is available at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.