Process Engineer

Company Overview

Grid Structures, a division of Southland Steel, manufactures steel poles and structures for electric utility and renewable energy infrastructure. Our Amite operation prioritizes employee safety, quality, manufacturing flow, and sustainable growth.

Position Summary

We seek a creative, hands-on Process Engineer to make steel fabrication safer, simpler, and more productive. Working alongside shop-floor employees, this engineer will combine practical problem-solving, CAD-based design, data analysis, and disciplined project execution to deliver sustainable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC).

Core Accountabilities

Design Safety Into the Work

· Engineer out hazards through safer equipment and process design, guarding, ergonomics, and material handling.

· Partner with Operations, Safety, and Maintenance to evaluate risks and verify safe operation before implementation, installation, and startup.

Improve Flow, Productivity, and Process Capability

· Improve end-to-end flow—from plate receipt and cutting through forming, welding, finishing, and shipping—by eliminating bottlenecks, handling, waiting, and rework.

· Use time studies, process mapping, capacity analysis, and production data to improve throughput, labor productivity, first-pass yield, and lead time.

· Work with operators to test improvements, establish standard work, and sustain results.

Own Layout, CAD, and Technical Design

· Develop and maintain 2D/3D CAD plant layouts covering work cells, equipment, storage, utilities, and safe material and pedestrian movement.

· Design practical tooling, fixtures, workstations, and lifting/handling solutions that reduce variation and physical strain.

· Evaluate layout and technology options for safety, capacity, flow, cost, and return on investment; maintain accurate technical drawings.

· Support facility upgrades and infrastructure needs, including electrical, compressed air, industrial gases, and equipment foundations, with qualified specialists.

Execute Shop-Floor Engineering Projects

· Own manufacturing improvement and capital projects from scope and concept through installation, commissioning, training, and handoff.

· Manage project schedules, budgets, milestones, resources, and risks; communicate progress and escalate barriers.

· Coordinate Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, suppliers, and contractors on equipment selection, specifications, procurement, and installation.

· Use structured root-cause analysis to solve recurring forming, welding, dimensional, and material-handling problems.

· Define acceptance criteria, conduct startup/performance trials, resolve issues, and confirm safe, reliable equipment operation.

Use Data and Develop Employee Capability

· Establish baselines, KPIs, and before/after results to prioritize and validate improvements.

· Engage employees in solution design; document standards and coach teams to recognize and eliminate waste.

Required Experience and Capabilities

· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline; equivalent relevant experience considered.

· Hands-on manufacturing or process engineering experience, ideally in heavy fabrication, welding, forming, or material handling.

· Strong 2D/3D CAD capability (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent) for plant layouts, tooling, and fixtures.

· Ability to use data to solve production problems and deliver shop-floor improvements.

· Ability to manage projects, budgets, and vendors while communicating clearly across functions.

· Safety-first, creative, collaborative, and willing to spend substantial time on the shop floor.

Preferred Experience

· Utility steel pole or transmission/distribution structure manufacturing, including plate processing, forming, submerged arc welding, or assembly.

· Lean manufacturing, standard work, ergonomics, capital justification, and commissioning.

· Digital manufacturing tools, automation, simulation, or production data systems.

How Success Will Be Measured

Success will be measured by safer work, improved flow and productivity, shorter lead times, less scrap/rework, on-time project execution, reliable equipment startups, and sustained standard work. Targets will be set with site leadership.

Leadership Standard

We expect an approachable engineer who listens to employees, takes ownership, and delivers practical solutions that make work safer and easier—not merely faster.

Benefits and Employment Information

Competitive benefits include medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). Grid Structures is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. Employment is subject to applicable pre-employment screening.