Job Title:
Process Technician Job Description This Process Technician role focuses on developing and optimizing manufacturing processes to achieve stable product quality, consistent throughput, and high equipment effectiveness. You will support production startup and early-life operation of manufacturing equipment, drive structured problem solving, and collaborate closely with maintenance, operations, and quality teams to deliver sustained performance improvements. Responsibilities Develop and verify process settings and recipes to ensure stable quality and consistent throughput across production lines. Create process characterization plans and support validation and qualification activities as needed to confirm process capability. Perform structured problem solving using 5-Why, fishbone diagrams, and DOE-lite methodologies to identify and eliminate root causes of issues. Establish baseline performance metrics such as cycle time, scrap rate, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) contributors. Standardize operating conditions and document best-known methods to support consistent, repeatable production performance. Support line balancing and staffing recommendations during ramp-up to optimize resource utilization and throughput. Collaborate with maintenance, operations, and quality teams to identify opportunities and implement sustained process and equipment improvements. Provide rapid response troubleshooting for mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical faults impacting production equipment. Assist with equipment changeovers, alignment, and minor modifications in accordance with site rules and safety requirements. Perform sensor and actuator diagnostics and provide basic controls interface support in coordination with controls and automation teams. Support preventive maintenance catch-up activities and early-life failure correction to improve equipment reliability. Identify required spare parts, support the development of critical parts lists, and update maintenance documentation accordingly. Support engagement with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and coordinate with vendors to resolve startup and early production issues. Maintain detailed downtime logs, including failure mode categorization and documentation of corrective actions taken. Essential Skills Engineering degree or equivalent practical experience. 1-3 years of manufacturing experience for process engineering responsibilities, as indicated in the input. 2-5 years of manufacturing experience for process technician responsibilities, as indicated in the input. Advanced process troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills, including use of 5-Why, fishbone, and DOE-lite methods. Ability to establish and track baseline metrics such as cycle time, yield, scrap, and OEE contributors. Strong documentation skills and the ability to create and maintain standard work instructions and best-known methods. Hands-on operator and technician support experience, including on-the-job training (OTJ) and floor-level guidance. Advanced hands-on troubleshooting capability for mechanical, pneumatic, and basic electrical issues on production equipment. Direct experience supporting manufacturing equipment during startup or early production phases. Equipment adjustment and changeover support experience in a production environment. Strong technical documentation and data discipline, including accurate logging of downtime, failures, and corrective actions. Preventive maintenance and reliability-focused mindset when working with production equipment. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience collaborating with maintenance, operations, quality, and controls or automation teams to implement process improvements. Familiarity with sensor and actuator diagnostics and basic controls interface support. Experience participating in or supporting validation and qualification activities for processes and equipment. Exposure to line balancing, staffing optimization, and ramp-up support in a manufacturing environment. Experience working with OEMs and vendors to resolve equipment startup and performance issues. Ability to contribute to the development and maintenance of critical spare parts lists and maintenance documentation. Strong attention to detail and commitment to following standardized procedures and documentation practices. Interest in long-term opportunities, with the option to extend or convert to a full-time role after an initial 6-month period, as noted in the input. Work Environment The role is based in a manufacturing environment that supports production startup and ongoing operations of complex equipment. All team members will begin on 1st shift to support onboarding, training, and early integration with production and maintenance teams, with a planned transition to 2nd shift after the initial period. You will work closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and controls or automation personnel on the production floor, interacting regularly with mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical systems. The environment emphasizes preventive maintenance, reliability, and disciplined documentation, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and equipment performance during ramp-up and early production. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Durham, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $40.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Durham,NC.
Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 22, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.