Extruder Engineer

Suzano International; Pine Bluff (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Health Savings Account (HSA) and HRA

Commuter Benefits

Employee Discount Program

Wellness Programs

Job summary

Suzano is seeking an Extrusion Engineer to drive process optimization and product quality improvements across extrusion coating and converting operations. You will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Technical teams to enhance performance, reduce waste, and deliver high-quality packaging products.

This hands-on role blends shop-floor engagement, data analysis, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Materials, Paper Science, Industrial) or related field.
• 0-3 years manufacturing experience preferred; internships or co-ops welcome.
• Experience with extrusion, plastics processing, packaging manufacturing, coating operations, or pulp/paper manufacturing a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor process performance and key operating parameters in extrusion operations.
• Lead troubleshooting for coating defects, process variability, equipment performance, and production efficiency.
• Analyze process and quality data to identify trends and root causes.
• Coordinate and execute production trials with new materials, operating conditions, and equipment changes.
• Collaborate with operators and production leaders to optimize extrusion coating performance and machine efficiency.
• Develop, maintain, and improve process standards, SOPs, and best practices.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance by identifying equipment reliability concerns and recommending actions.
• Participate in safety initiatives, risk assessments, and process safety improvements.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and presentations to communicate performance and project results.
• Support sustainability efforts to reduce waste and energy consumption.

Skills

Analytical Thinker

Hands-On Engineer

Self-Starter

Team Collaborator

Continuous Learner

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Power BI

Minitab

Job description

Nice to meet you, We Are Suzano! At Suzano, we believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. This union gave rise to a meaningful attitude: innovability, which guides us in thinking outside the box and looking beyond to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. We plant and grow trees. We transform this renewable raw material into innovative and sustainable bioproducts that are part of the everyday life of over 2 billion people. We cultivate life on the sheet of the notebook that teaches children, in the diaper that protects babies, in the biodegradable cup of coffee that does not harm the environment, in absorbent papers and in the convenience of using sustainable packaging.

Get to know us in 2 minutes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Dksqf_Nb4

Nice to meet you, We Are Suzano! At Suzano, we believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. This union gave rise to a meaningful attitude: innovability, which guides us in thinking outside the box and looking beyond to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. We plant and grow trees. We transform this renewable raw material into innovative and sustainable bioproducts that are part of the everyday life of over 2 billion people. We cultivate life on the sheet of the notebook that teaches children, in the diaper that protects babies, in the biodegradable cup of coffee that does not harm the environment, in absorbent papers and in the convenience of using sustainable packaging.

Get to know us in 2 minutes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed9ZhpyTJXI

About The Role

The Extrusion Engineer plays a key role in supporting our Extrusion Department by driving process optimization, product quality improvements, and operational excellence across extrusion coating and converting operations. This position works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Technical teams to improve process performance, reduce waste, and support the production of high-quality packaging products.

This is a highly hands-on role that combines shop-floor engagement, troubleshooting, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who enjoys solving technical challenges, learning manufacturing processes, and building strong relationships across departments.

What You’re Going To Do

• Support daily extrusion operations by monitoring process performance, product quality, and key operating parameters.
• Lead and participate in troubleshooting efforts related to coating defects, process variability, equipment performance, and production efficiency.
• Analyze process and quality data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate and execute production trials involving new materials, operating conditions, equipment modifications, and process improvements.
• Work closely with operators and production leaders to optimize extrusion coating performance, resin utilization, and machine efficiency.
• Assist in developing, maintaining, and improving process standards, operating procedures, and best practices.
• Collaborate with Quality and Technical teams to ensure products meet customer specifications and performance requirements.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance efforts by identifying equipment reliability concerns and recommending corrective actions.
• Participate in safety initiatives, risk assessments, and process safety improvements to ensure a safe operating environment.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and presentations to communicate process performance and project results.
• Support sustainability initiatives focused on reducing waste, energy consumption, and raw material losses.
• Maintain effective communication across shifts and departments to ensure alignment on production priorities and improvement activities.

What We Expect From You

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Paper Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 0-3 years of manufacturing experience preferred; entry-level candidates with strong internship, co-op, or project experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with extrusion, plastics processing, packaging manufacturing, coating operations, or pulp and paper manufacturing is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret process and quality data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools, Power BI, Minitab, or other data visualization platforms is an advantage.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Willingness to spend significant time on the production floor and work flexible hours when supporting trials, startups, or troubleshooting efforts.
• High level of initiative, curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning.

What We’re Looking For

• Analytical Thinker: You turn data into decisions and thrive on solving complex problems.
• Hands-On Engineer: You enjoy being on the floor, observing, questioning, and optimizing.
• Self-Starter: You take initiative and drive results with minimal supervision.
• Team Collaborator: You connect across departments to build solutions and share knowledge.
• Continuous Learner: You’re curious, adaptable, and eager to grow in a manufacturing environment.

Professionals who share our values Suzano - People and Culture.

Read more here: https://www.suzano.com.br/en/suzano/about-us/people-and-culture

We are pleased to offer an attractive compensation and benefits package for this role, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options with nationwide networks to support your physical health and preventive care.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Company-paid basic coverage and optional plans to protect you and your loved ones.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term coverage to help protect your income in case of illness or injury.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Automatic enrollment with a generous company match to help you plan for the future.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Tax-advantaged accounts with company contributions to help manage healthcare expenses.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Options for healthcare, limited-purpose, and dependent care expenses.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax savings for eligible transit and vanpool expenses.
• Voluntary Benefits: Additional protection through accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Wellness Programs: Resources and incentives to support your physical and mental well-being.
• Employee Discount Program: Savings on travel, electronics, and more.

Suzano is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Suzano provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Suzano complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every work location. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

All positions at Suzano are subject to random drug and alcohol screening, performed in conformance with applicable law and internal Policy.