Project Leader Engineer III

Title: Process Qualifications Engineering Leader Pay Rate Range: $50.00/hr. (DOE) Employment Type: Contract - Approximately 10 months Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week; extended hours, weekends, or holidays may be required based on project demands) Location: Newton, NC (100% Onsite; may support Hickory, NC plant - 5 miles away) Job Posting ID: CRNGJP00029086 Job Overview Tekberry is seeking an experienced Process Qualifications Engineering Leader to support our client, a global leader in advanced materials and fiber optic manufacturing technologies, at their Newton, NC facility. This senior-level, hands-on leadership role is responsible for leading multidisciplinary engineering teams in the start-up and qualification of multiple fiber optic cable production lines. The ideal candidate brings strong project leadership experience in manufacturing environments, deep process engineering expertise, and the ability to drive execution while maintaining strict safety and quality standards. As a Tekberry W2 employee, you will have access to health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) options. Key Responsibilities Project & Program Leadership Lead cross-functional engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, controls, facilities, IT, operations) during equipment start-up and process qualification activities. Develop and execute comprehensive project timelines that meet customer and operational requirements. Coordinate team activities in alignment with plant and division leadership priorities. Drive accountability for milestone execution, deliverables, and performance metrics. Equipment Start-Up & Process Qualification Lead execution of production line start-ups, including test equipment setup, data collection, and parameter optimization. Oversee process debug and qualification efforts to ensure stable and capable manufacturing performance. Provide feedback and technical direction to improve equipment functionality and product quality. Process Improvement & Manufacturing Excellence Champion process improvements focused on variability reduction, defect reduction, throughput improvements, and overall process control. Facilitate structured problem-solving activities, including root cause identification and resolution. Apply engineering tools and methodologies such as 6-Sigma, TRIZ, KT-PA, and MEE to resolve complex production issues. Lead and/or facilitate development of standard work documentation including SOPs, SOS, job aids, and training materials. Data-Driven Decision Making Analyze process data to support decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives. Utilize strong data interpretation and visualization skills to communicate findings to leadership and stakeholders. Ensure decisions are grounded in quantitative analysis and sound engineering principles. Safety & Compliance Promote and enforce safe work practices among team members and supporting contractors. Ensure all activities comply with plant safety standards and regulatory requirements. Must-Have Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering. Minimum of 7+ years of experience as a project manager or team leader for process engineering teams in a manufacturing plant. Proven experience leading and successfully completing projects in manufacturing environments. Strong technical leadership, organizational, and planning skills with ability to manage shifting priorities. Demonstrated technical expertise in process improvement and manufacturing optimization. Strong analytical skills with data-driven decision-making capability. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills. Ability to motivate and collaborate effectively with diverse cross-functional teams. Must be eligible to work in the U.S. for a minimum of 18 months. Preferred Qualifications Experience with high-speed optical fiber cable manufacturing equipment (e.g., jacketing, ribbon stranding, buffering). Hands-on experience leading equipment installations, line start-ups, and process scale-up efforts. Strong background in 6-Sigma and structured root cause methodologies. Experience interacting with plant leadership and managing multi-discipline project teams. Work Environment 100% onsite role in Newton, NC (Trivium), with potential travel to the Hickory, NC plant. Combination of production floor leadership and engineering office coordination. Typical 40-hour workweek; extended hours, weekends, or holidays may be required to support project schedules. Interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams with 2-3 engineering leaders; local candidates may be invited for an onsite follow-up interview. Why Tekberry We need hard-working, reliable employees. Tekberry offers a $100 referral bonus for referrals that result in successful placements. Tekberry, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other protected category under applicable laws. Tekberry, Inc. is a Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). By submitting your resume, you consent to receive communications from our organization via text message. All texts are sent by real people, and we look forward to connecting with you! View all open roles: #INDHP

Created: 2026-03-04