Benefits:

Bonus based on performance

Company parties

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job Title: Manufacturing Process Engineer/Manager Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho Company: Advanced Ceramic Fibers, LLC Employment Type: Full-time Salary: DOE

Relocation: Not available

About Us: At Advanced Ceramic Fibers, LLC (ACF), we are an award-winning advanced materials company creating revolutionary high-performance ceramic fibers and composites for extreme environments. Through our patented Direct Conversion ProcessTM (DCP), we transform regular carbon fiber into Fi-Bar™, a metal carbide/carbon core fiber material with capabilities beyond anything currently available. Our innovations support critical applications in space, defense, energy, consumer electronics and beyond. We are looking for a proven leader to join our team, to drive materials manufacturing excellence, and help push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Job Description: The Manufacturing Process Engineer/Manager will lead a team of engineers overseeing R&D initiatives and plant operations while actively driving continuous improvement across our materials manufacturing processes. This hands-on leadership role focuses on optimizing performance, cost-efficiency, safety, and quality in the production of advanced materials designed for the most demanding environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Process Improvement: Develop, implement, and monitor strategies to enhance our materials manufacturing processes, product quality, and overall operational efficiency.

Project Management: Lead and oversee various plant initiatives, from process development, quality improvement and scaling production quantities, to ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and deliveries that align with client and company objectives.

Troubleshooting & Optimization: Investigate process inefficiencies, production delays, and manufacturing quality issues; deliver timely, data-driven solutions.

Data Analysis: Lead our commitment to being a data-driven organization by capturing (data logging) and analyzing all relevant manufacturing variables. Use this rich dataset to identify trends, spot anomalies, and make precise, evidence-based decisions that reduce defects, improve quality, ensure repeatable consistency, and drive process optimization.

Lean Manufacturing: Champion Lean principles, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives to eliminate waste and maximize efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively across our small but growing organization, maintaining open, frequent communication to ensure product specifications are met, issues are surfaced early, and manufacturing runs smoothly.

Training & Knowledge Transfer: Train and mentor manufacturing personnel on best practices, process updates, and equipment operation.

Documentation & Compliance: Ensure all process changes are properly documented and aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership & Development: Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of engineers responsible for R&D and day-to-day plant operations. Conduct performance reviews, foster professional growth, and build a culture of innovation and accountability.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

8+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing process engineering, with at least 3–5 years in a supervisory or managerial role leading engineering teams.

Strong background in R&D and manufacturing operations, preferably with advanced materials such as carbon fiber, composites, ceramics, or high-temperature processes.

Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks strongly preferred), process simulation tools, and data analysis platforms.

Excellent leadership, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to adapt quickly to change, work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, innovative small business environment.

Experience with SolidWorks, CAD/CAM, CFD, Python, MATLAB, or other programming languages is a plus.

Additional Requirements

Must be a U.S. person (naturalized citizen or qualifying under ITAR/EAR definitions) and eligible to participate in federally funded programs involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Successful completion of background check and drug testing required prior to employment.

Why Join Us?

Join a small, growing team at the cutting edge of materials innovation. Idaho Falls is a dream for outdoor lovers, only ~1.5 hours from Yellowstone, Sun Valley, and Jackson Hole, with world-class skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, hunting, and the largest wilderness area in the lower 48, plus Salt Lake City is just 3 hours away.