Description
We are seeking a Process Engineer to lead the development and control of surface finishing processes for aerospace transparencies. This role is focused on precision abrasive finishing of polymer materials, including multi-stage sanding, polishing, and buffing operations required to achieve optically clear, distortion-free surfaces.
The position is hands-on and manufacturing-focused, centered on controlled material removal, surface refinement, and defect elimination. The engineer will also improve inspection methods, defect classification, and process capability to ensure consistent, repeatable optical quality.
This role works closely with Manufacturing and Quality to translate performance requirements into practical, production-ready processes. This is a fully onsite position in Sylmar, California.
Key Responsibilities
-
Develop, qualify, and optimize multi-step abrasive finishing processes (sanding → polishing → buffing) for plastic transparencies
-
Define and control key process parameters including abrasive selection, grit progression, pressure, speed, and sequencing
-
Establish standard methods for defect removal (scratches, haze, inclusions, waviness)
-
Implement basic process control methods (SPC, capability tracking) to improve consistency and reduce variation
-
Troubleshoot finishing issues on the floor and drive root cause to reduce rework and scrap
-
Understand how surface condition impacts clarity and distortion
-
Improve inspection methods for transparent parts, including lighting, visual standards, and acceptance criteria
-
Define and standardize defect classification (scratch/dig, haze, distortion, inclusions)
-
Improve consistency in how parts are evaluated across operators and shifts
-
Create and maintain work instructions and process documentation
-
Support production with hands-on troubleshooting
-
Support MRB and corrective actions related to surface quality
Qualifications
-
Only US Citizens, Green card holders, political asylees, or refugees are eligible to apply
-
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or similar, or equivalent hands-on experience
-
5+ years of experience in manufacturing or process engineering
-
Direct experience with sanding, polishing, or abrasive finishing processes
-
Experience working with cosmetic, Class A, or optically critical surfaces
-
Experience with optical simulation tools such as Zemax OpticStudio or LightTools is a plus
-
#LI-ONSITE
The base salary range for this position is $90,000 to $120,000, with a possibility of an annual bonus up to 7% of base salary. PPG offers comprehensive benefits such as Health, Dental, Life, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation & Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Disability/Leave, and other Voluntary benefit offerings. Actual benefit offerings confirmed at the time of hire.
About us:
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™
Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X.
The PPG Way 2030
We are customer champions
Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow.
We act with purpose and speed
Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.
We are excellent operators
Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.
We compete to win
Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths.
We are PPG proud
Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world.
At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.
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 an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com.
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.
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.
PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.