Process Engineer

SOUTHLAND STEEL FABRICATORS

Amite, LA

Estimated pay: Est. $17–$27/hr (market estimate, not employer-stated)

**Company Overview**

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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**

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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**

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**Design Safety Into the Work**

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• 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**

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• 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**

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• 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**

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• 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**

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• 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**

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• 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**

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• 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**

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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**

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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**

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