1st Shift Process Technician

Essentra; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Essentra's Erie facility is seeking a First Shift Process Technician to optimize production, improve quality, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced plastics injection molding environment. You will lead efficiency initiatives, monitor equipment, test processes, and collaborate with production, quality, engineering, and maintenance teams to deliver world-class manufacturing performance.

The role offers opportunities for growth, a focus on safety and sustainability, and a chance to apply

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Process Technician in a manufacturing environment, preferably within plastics injection molding.
• Strong understanding of molding processes, machine troubleshooting, process optimization, and cycle time reduction.
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvements that enhance quality, productivity, and overall equipment efficiency.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and resolving process-related quality concerns.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams.
• Technical certification, applicable degree, or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, and maximize equipment performance to support business objectives.
• Drive Quality Excellence
• Conduct testing, troubleshoot process issues, and perform root cause analysis to reduce defects and improve product consistency.
• Develop and implement process enhancements that increase productivity, improve reliability, and maintain the highest quality standards.
• Leverage Data for Better Decisions
• Monitor production metrics, analyze trends, and use data-driven insights to proactively address manufacturing challenges.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to implement innovative solutions and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Support Sustainability Initiatives
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve material utilization, and support Essentra's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Skills

Process Optimization

Molding Troubleshooting

Data Analysis

Root Cause Analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration

Safety & Lean

Quality Improvement

Waste Reduction

Education

Technical Certification

Relevant Degree

Job description

Are you passionate about manufacturing excellence, problem-solving, and continuous improvement? Join Essentra's Erie team as a First Shift Process Technician, where you'll play a critical role in optimizing production, improving quality, and driving innovation in a fast-paced plastics manufacturing environment. At Essentra, our Process Technicians do more than keep machines running. They are key contributors to process improvements, operational excellence, and sustainable manufacturing practices. If you enjoy analyzing data, solving technical challenges, and making a measurable impact every day, we want to hear from you.

Why Join Essentra?

• First Shift schedule for improved work-life balance
• Work with advanced molding and manufacturing technology
• Be part of a collaborative team focused on innovation and continuous improvement
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
• Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and performance incentives
• Join a global organization committed to sustainability and operational excellence

What You'll Do

• Lead initiatives that improve efficiency, reduce cycle times, and maximize equipment performance to support business objectives.
• Drive Quality Excellence
• Conduct testing, troubleshoot process issues, and perform root cause analysis to reduce defects and improve product consistency.
• Develop and implement process enhancements that increase productivity, improve reliability, and maintain the highest quality standards.
• Leverage Data for Better Decisions
• Monitor production metrics, analyze trends, and use data-driven insights to proactively address manufacturing challenges.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to implement innovative solutions and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Support Sustainability Initiatives
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve material utilization, and support Essentra's commitment to environmental responsibility.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced Process Technician who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and has a proven track record of optimizing processes, troubleshooting molding issues, and driving continuous improvement. This is an opportunity for a skilled professional to make an immediate impact on production performance, quality, and efficiency.

• Proven experience as a Process Technician in a manufacturing environment, preferably within plastics injection molding.
• Strong understanding of molding processes, machine troubleshooting, process optimization, and cycle time reduction.
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvements that enhance quality, productivity, and overall equipment efficiency.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis and resolving process-related quality concerns.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams.
• Technical certification, applicable degree, or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

You’ll work alongside a skilled and supportive team at our Erie manufacturing facility, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technologies designed to deliver world-class products and manufacturing performance. At Essentra, your ideas matter. Your expertise will help improve processes, reduce waste, enhance quality, and support the success of a global leader in plastic injection molding and manufacturing solutions.