How to hire a senior manufacturing process engineer

How to hire a senior manufacturing process engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step senior manufacturing process engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a senior manufacturing process engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new senior manufacturing process engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a senior manufacturing process engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a senior manufacturing process engineer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect senior manufacturing process engineer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of senior manufacturing process engineers.

   Type of Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer	Industrial engineers find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. They devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service.	$36-56
   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... Show more	$31-62
   Quality Engineer	A quality engineer's responsibilities include ensuring that the manufacturing processes are efficient and accurate, documenting findings that would raise concerns, conducting quality tests while observing parameters, and implementing changes as necessary to meet the highest quality standards. Quality engineers need to have excellent problem-solving and observation skills to detect any irregularities and possible malfunctions... Show more	$29-49

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Lean Manufacturing
   • Sigma
   • Continuous Improvement
   • CAD
   • Process Engineering
   • Product Quality
   • FDA
   • Process Improvement
   • Solidworks
   • ISO
   • SR
   • Data Analysis
   • Process Control
   • Improvement Projects

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage product BOM's for RoHS, end of life, and component quality issues.
   • Plan and manage process-improvement projects and support production methods and processes for manufacturing center and CNC processes.
   • Evaluate documentation for regulatory and FDA / ISO compliance.
   • Develop and maintain process qualification procedures and checklists in compliance to ISO 9001 and departmental procedures.
   • Support internal audit process and work with cross functional team to develop remediation plan for FDA audit.
   • Create work instructions and labor estimates, implementing new product training programs for operators and staff including quality control and SPC.

   More senior manufacturing process engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your senior manufacturing process engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A senior manufacturing process engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, senior manufacturing process engineers' average salary in vermont is 34% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level senior manufacturing process engineers earn 36% less than senior-level senior manufacturing process engineers.
   • Certifications. A senior manufacturing process engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a senior manufacturing process engineer's salary.

   Average senior manufacturing process engineer salary

   $94,308yearly

   $45.34 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level senior manufacturing process engineer salary

   $75,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

   Average senior manufacturing process engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$121,032	$58
   2	Florida	$108,262	$52
   3	Arizona	$98,203	$47
   4	Connecticut	$96,933	$47
   5	Texas	$96,875	$47
   6	Virginia	$95,539	$46
   7	North Carolina	$94,759	$46
   8	Massachusetts	$94,167	$45
   9	Maryland	$93,065	$45
   10	Illinois	$90,926	$44
   11	South Carolina	$89,011	$43
   12	Pennsylvania	$87,480	$42
   13	Minnesota	$85,339	$41
   14	Ohio	$84,481	$41
   15	New Hampshire	$84,053	$40
   16	Tennessee	$82,951	$40
   17	Indiana	$79,913	$38
   18	Wisconsin	$78,602	$38
   19	Arkansas	$77,804	$37

   Average senior manufacturing process engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	PacBio	$113,641	$54.64
   2	Magic Leap	$110,737	$53.24	7
   3	Kelly Services	$110,194	$52.98	59
   4	Nikola Motor	$105,580	$50.76
   5	FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies	$103,155	$49.59	27
   6	General Motors	$102,684	$49.37	50
   7	Tesla	$100,690	$48.41	81
   8	Quanergy	$100,059	$48.11
   9	Burns & McDonnell	$99,507	$47.84	21
   10	Abbott	$99,095	$47.64	105
   11	3M Company	$98,498	$47.35	90
   12	Gates	$98,207	$47.21	1
   13	Fujifilm Holdings America Corporation	$97,570	$46.91	26
   14	Advanced Technology	$97,182	$46.72
   15	TE Connectivity Networks�Inc	$97,182	$46.72	82
   16	FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA	$97,045	$46.66	72
   17	Goodyear	$96,876	$46.58	1
   18	Matthews International	$96,588	$46.44
   19	Vertex Pharmaceuticals	$96,372	$46.33	8
   20	Medtronic	$95,537	$45.93	81

4. Writing a senior manufacturing process engineer job description

   A senior manufacturing process engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a senior manufacturing process engineer job description:

   Senior manufacturing process engineer job description example

   Our people create our best Plexus.
   WHO WE ARE
   
   We're a global team of over 19,000 engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and aftermarket service experts who partner with customers to bring their products to life through inspired innovation and world-class customer service.
   
   We are passionate about innovating, creating and delivering products that change people's lives. From surgical devices and health monitors to warehouse robotics and space products, we partner with our customers to help create the products that build a better world.
   
   Whether you're looking to start, make a change or advance your career, find your path at Plexus Corp. and leave your mark on the world. WHY WE LOVE IT
   
   Engaging and challenging projects that fulfill and develop you. People that inspire and empower you to realize your full potential. Leadership and development programs to support your career goals. A workplace centered on inclusion and collaboration. At Plexus, we're at our best when opportunities are met with passion, open communication and teamwork.
   HOW YOU WILL DO IT
   As a Senior Manufacturing Process Engineer you will develop and lead the Global strategy for Product Engineering at Plexus Corp.
   
   Key Job Accountabilities:
   Demonstrated ability to investigate and solve complex production problems related to tooling, methods, processes, equipment, engineering specifications on parts, assemblies, products, etc.Takes a lead role in New Product Introductions, by designing and implementing the manufacturing processes and ensuring that production schedules are not delayed due to issues within his/her control.Proven ability to train people in manufacturing process techniques used to build assemblies, and/or requests additional training as seen to be required by new products or processes.Sustain production: Support on-going production activities to ensure we continue to meet customer needs and achieve Plexus' goals. Lead review and approval of changes associated with Process Strategy DeploymentContinuous improvement: Conduct continuous improvement efforts at the product ‘process' level to reduce defects, improve yields, and improve productivity in order to deliver customer excellence and achieve Plexus' enduring goals. Conduct analysis of product metric data to assess efficiency and effectiveness. Align opportunities globally to effectively deploy global manufacturing continuous improvement effectiveness to deliver customer excellence and achieve Plexus' enduring goals.
   
   Additional Accountabilities:
   Possess and demonstrate the Plexus Values (Customer Focus, Relationships and Teamwork, Excellence, Open Communication, and Integrity).Possess and demonstrate Plexus Leadership Behaviors (Prioritize Our People, Be Courageous, Solve Problems, Innovate, and Be Strategic).Global Responsibility for Product Engineering Process Development, Risk Identification & Mitigation and Strategic Process Deployment.Actively considers the production forecast, when making decisions which may have an impact on sales/manufacturing activities.Able to define, schedule, and execute major product or facility improvement plans with little or no guidance.
   
   Education/Experience Qualifications:
   A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required; a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or higher is preferred. Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Product Engineering or Production Engineering background is highly preferred.8-10 years of related experience is required.Travel may be required to meet the needs of the business (estimated ~20%).
   
   An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the key job accountabilities may be considered.
   
   This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform.
   
   Some offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug screen and upon completion of a confidentiality agreement.Our Values and How We Lead behaviors guide our processes. Plexus does not make employment decisions based on race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and encourage all to apply today!Globally, our policy is to recruit people from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, our company does not typically undertake sponsorship, including for H-1B, TN, and other nonimmigrant visas. Additionally, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find senior manufacturing process engineers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any senior manufacturing process engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level senior manufacturing process engineers with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your senior manufacturing process engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit senior manufacturing process engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit senior manufacturing process engineers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new senior manufacturing process engineer

   Once you have selected a candidate for the senior manufacturing process engineer position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new senior manufacturing process engineer. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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