What does an associate process engineer do?
An associate process engineer specializes in designing and developing machinery and equipment to optimize business processes and operations. Their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the existing production processes, devising strategies for optimal performance, and coordinating with the workforce for further analysis. An associate process engineer may also install and repair equipment, test new systems, and conduct regular maintenance checks to maintain a safe and productive work environment for everyone.
Associate process engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real associate process engineer resumes:
- Lead and assist maintenance in resolving equipment malfunctions, troubleshoot process problems, and organize and implement preventative maintenance procedures.
- Develop and characterize one-off GMP process equipment.
- Conduct experiments and testing on non woven media and perform thorough statistical analysis using Minitab software.
- Update facility maps on AutoCAD.
- Use JMP statistical software to analyze data from range finding research.
- Utilize AutoCAD to blueprint the factory, the machines, and the work flow.
- Develop method for evaluating instrumentation in a GMP environment that simplify the process and improve the accuracy of the rating.
- Maintain responsibility for manufacturing large-scale inorganic chemical synthesis.
- Validate the present QC data analysis method by comparison
- Maintain responsibility for manufacturing large-scale inorganic chemical synthesis.
Associate process engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Associate Process Engineers are proficient in Process Engineering, Lean Manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Interpersonal skills, and Creativity.
We break down the percentage of Associate Process Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Process Engineering, 8%
Served in the Process Engineering On-Call rotation to provide 24 hour engineering coverage for manufacturing issues.
- Lean Manufacturing, 7%
Implemented lean manufacturing principles increasing efficiency and precision in manufacturing.
- Continuous Improvement, 5%
Established systems to drive value-stream enhancement and continuous improvement.
- Process Improvement, 5%
Work on Process Excellence Projects involving Process Improvement/Cost Reduction Initiatives.
- Sigma, 5%
Employed Lean Six Sigma training methods to reduce waste and cost in the GaAs manufacturing process.
- GMP, 5%
Developed method for evaluating instrumentation in a GMP environment that simplified the process and improved the accuracy of the rating.
Common skills that an associate process engineer uses to do their job include "process engineering," "lean manufacturing," and "continuous improvement." You can find details on the most important associate process engineer responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for an associate process engineer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "chemical engineers must be able to evaluate designs and processes and to propose improvements, if necessary." Additionally, an associate process engineer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "assisted in experimental design and data analysis. "
Creativity. This is an important skill for associate process engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how associate process engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "chemical engineers explore new ways of applying engineering to invent new materials and advance manufacturing techniques in chemical engineering." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an associate process engineer: "utilized autocad and inventor to standardize product drawings led efforts to relocate manufacturing operations to a new office location".
Math skills. For certain associate process engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "math skills." The day-to-day duties of an associate process engineer rely on this skill, as "chemical engineers use calculus and other advanced math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what associate process engineers do: "plant ended 2005 and 2006 with plant records for osha statistics. "
Problem-solving skills. Another crucial skill for an associate process engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." A big part of what associate process engineers relies on this skill, since "chemical engineers must be able to anticipate and identify problems, such as those related to manufacturing processes, and to devise solutions." How this skill relates to associate process engineer duties can be seen in an example from an associate process engineer resume snippet: "delivered strategic process design solutions while providing continuous process improvement support for the 1100 barrel/day fischer-tropsch gtl project. "
The three companies that hire the most associate process engineers are:
- Conagra Brands30 associate process engineers jobs
- McKinsey & Company Inc23 associate process engineers jobs
- Northrop Grumman7 associate process engineers jobs
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Associate process engineer vs. Research and development engineer
Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between associate process engineers and research and development engineer. For instance, associate process engineer responsibilities require skills such as "process engineering," "lean manufacturing," "continuous improvement," and "gmp." Whereas a research and development engineer is skilled in "python," "c #," "solidworks," and "cad." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Research and development engineers tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $107,654. In contrast, associate process engineers make the biggest average salary, $89,964, in the automotive industry.research and development engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than associate process engineers. In fact, research and development engineers are 11.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Associate process engineer vs. Engineering associate
An engineering associate is an individual whose job duties include analysis of project plans, development of product designs, and maintenance of equipment. The engineering fields where an engineering associate can find a job include civil, mechanical, and environmental. The requirements to qualify for the position include obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering, familiarity with a specific industry, prior work experience related to the field, and possessing strong technical skills.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real associate process engineer resumes. While associate process engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "process engineering," "lean manufacturing," "continuous improvement," and "gmp," engineering associates use skills like "python," "java," "cad," and "c++."
Engineering associates earn a lower average salary than associate process engineers. But engineering associates earn the highest pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $88,950. Additionally, associate process engineers earn the highest salaries in the automotive with average pay of $89,964 annually.engineering associates earn similar levels of education than associate process engineers in general. They're 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 2.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Associate process engineer vs. Manufacturing engineer
Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for handling and developing an efficient manufacturing system or procedure that will help a company produce up to standard products while in adherence to the policies, regulations, and expected cost and schedule. Furthermore, Manufacturing Engineers must also monitor quality control, identify or detect errors, provide and suggest improvements, oversee the procurement of materials involved in the production, and coordinate with various teams or departments within the company to ensure the effectiveness of innovations or new developments.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from associate process engineer resumes include skills like "process engineering," "gmp," "process equipment," and "data analysis," whereas a manufacturing engineer is more likely to list skills in "cad," "solidworks," "project management," and "cnc. "
Manufacturing engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $81,429. Associate process engineers earn the highest pay from the automotive industry, with an average salary of $89,964.Most manufacturing engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to associate process engineers. For example, they're 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Associate process engineer vs. Engineer
Engineers are highly trained professionals who determine the feasibility of various projects, usually related to the construction industry. They are considered experts in mathematics and science, two disciplines that they need to use in designing and coming up with plans for projects. They should also be well-versed in different construction or industrial materials, and they ensure that appropriate materials are used for the project. They also ensure that the projects meet the requirements of the groups that hired them. They create spaces that would both address the needs of the end-users and the industry standards. They also ensure that the projects they make would stand the test of time.
Types of associate process engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











