Associate Engineer - 2026 Leadership Development Program

Avient Corporation; Avon Lake (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Avient Corporation is seeking candidates for its Engineering Leadership Development Program in Avon Lake, Ohio. This two-year rotational program offers hands-on experience in various engineering roles, covering multiple facets of manufacturing operations.

Candidates will develop manufacturing processes, improve product efficiency, and receive Lean Six Sigma Training. A Bachelor's in an engineering field and 1+ years of experience (including internships) are preferred. Successful completion leads to a full-time role.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience preferred (can include prior co‑op or internship experience).
• Willing to relocate and travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design and communicate manufacturing processes.
• Monitor and revise processes to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Identify and solve issues with processes and equipment.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Engineering Leadership Development Program accelerates professional development by placing participants in multiple engineering related roles during a two-year rotational program working with different Avient manufacturing sites. Individuals get hands‑on experience by going through two or more rotations (depending on function and/or geographic) gaining key technical, change management, and leadership competencies. Each of these assignments will support a wide range of projects and activities focused on adding real value for the business and driving improvement in the critical manufacturing processes of Avient. The program will place the individual in different facets of manufacturing operations including process, project, reliability and/or quality engineering. Individuals will participate in Lean Six Sigma Training and achieve certification. During each phase of assignment, Engineering Associates will establish relationships with site associates, peers and leaders. They will also learn fundamentals and be provided mentoring from both program and business level leadership. Upon completion of the program, individuals are placed in a full‑time role within Avient that best suits their personal and professional goals and matches the business needs.

Essential Functions

• Develop, design and communicate manufacturing processes.
• Monitor and revise processes to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of the product and/or process and generate cost savings.
• Responsible for activities related to the development of new processes including researching current and emerging technologies, evaluating process safety, quality and cost.
• Identify and solve issues with processes and equipment. Troubleshoot possible causes and coordinate the activities of maintenance, production and other available resources to implement cost effective solutions.
• Manage capital project activity for the specification and installation of new equipment.
• Own change management projects to drive process improvement.
• Interact with Senior Management, build relationships with other employees across the globe and make a difference in Avient’s future success.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 1+ years of experience preferred (can include prior co‑op or internship experience).
• Must graduate by the program start date, but no more than one year prior.

Qualifications

• Willing to relocate and travel.

Avient is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of non-discrimination in providing equal employment to all qualified employees and candidates regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran's status, or other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable federal, state and local law. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to complete an online application, please contact the Avient HR Team by emailing [e-mail].