Aerospace Principal Process Engineer

Overview

PPG's Aerospace Business is looking for an experienced Principal Process Engineer to lead the design, control, and advancement of our manufacturing processes in Sylmar, California. In this role, you will own process capability and performance across the manufacturing lifecycle. You will serve as a team lead and handle larger scope projects while partnering closely with the Operations, Quality, and Engineering teams.

This is an onsite role working in our Sylmar, CA facility and reporting to the Senior Manager of Plant Operations Engineering.

• Own manufacturing process capability by defining, modeling, measuring, and improving process performance using statistical and data-driven methods.
• Develop and maintain robust control plans, process specifications, and procedures for new and existing manufacturing processes to ensure stable, repeatable, and high-quality performance.
• Analyze process performance data, monitor critical inputs and outputs, establish control limits, and detect or prevent process shifts to maintain capability and consistency.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of new tooling, jigs, fixtures, and process aids to improve capability, reduce variation, and eliminate waste.
• Identify automation opportunities and integrate into the manufacturing process through clear project definition, capex management, and oversight of external and internal suppliers to meet project deadlines.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using DOE, FMEA, and structured problem solving to reduce variation, scrap, rework, cycle time, and cost.
• Maintain and control process documentation, flows, work instructions, and manage production process changes to ensure scalable, validated, and compliant execution.
• Provide process-based technical leadership in MRB activities and corrective action to resolve nonconformances and prevent recurrence.
• Support new product introduction by defining process requirements, analyzing readiness data, and validating scalable, capable manufacturing processes.

• Only U.S. Citizens, Green Card holders, and political asylees or refugees are eligible to apply.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or a related STEM field required.
• 10+ years of experience in process and/or manufacturing engineering within a regulated environment.
• Prior leadership experience is helpful, though not required.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred. Familiarity with DMAIC process a plus.
• Experience with CAD and process modeling using Solid Works or CATIA.
• Prior Aerospace experience preferred; experience with plastics, composites, coatings, or other specialty materials is a plus.
• The salary range for this role will be $110,000 - $135,000.

Here at PPG we make it happen, and we seek candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our values, with the commitment and drive to strive today to do better than yesterday – everyday.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

If you need assistance to complete your application due to a disability, please email

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.