Extrusion Engineer (Plastics)

Searchbox l.l.c.; La Vergne (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Chromalox is seeking an Extrusion Engineer (Plastics) to drive development of extrusion processes for fluoropolymers and polyolefins, from concept through production release. You will work cross-functionally with production, R&D, engineering and quality to ensure processes meet stringent specifications and deliver high-quality, high-precision products.

Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years in extrusion, strong problem-solving, and hands-on experience with PFMEA, DOE, and Six Sigma

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on precision extrusion experience.
• Background as an extrusion/ Plastics engineer with extrusion focus.
• Post-secondary engineering education or equivalent experience.
• Experience setting up extrusion equipment and supporting production teams.

Responsibilities

• Product and Process Development: Develop new products and extrusion processes in support of product management and business goals, from concept and prototyping through production release.
• Material Processing: Develop, implement, and maintain robust extrusion processes for fluoropolymers and polyolefins, including FEP, PFA, ETFE, PTFE, PVDF, and HDPE.
• Process Optimization: Apply PFMEA, process control plans, design of experiments, and structured problem-solving methods to improve extrusion performance, quality, consistency, and manufacturability.
• Production Support: Work closely with production personnel, R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to ensure extrusion processes meet customer specifications, tolerances, and internal requirements.
• Tooling and Equipment: Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to develop extrusion tooling, fixtures, and equipment improvements that support high-precision product manufacturing.
• Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve extrusion processing issues by analyzing process parameters, material behavior, equipment condition, and product performance.
• Training and Best Practices: Provide technical support and training to production staff to ensure adherence to best practices, quality standards, and safe operating procedures.
• Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate records of extrusion processes, improvements, process parameters, traceability, and compliance with quality and business management system requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Support productivity improvement, scrap reduction, setup-time reduction, cost savings, material optimization, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Health, Safety, and Environment: Support and comply with all company health, safety, environmental, QMS, and EMS policies and procedures.
• Other assignments as required.

Skills

Precision extrusion

Problem solving

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or technical field

Tools

PFMEA

DOE

Six Sigma

Job description

Extrusion Engineer (Plastics)Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies.At Chromalox, we build advanced thermal technologies for the world's most challenging industrial heating applications.Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we got our start with an innovative solution 100 years ago when a self-taught engineer invented the first metal-sheathed resistance heating element. It was this then-advanced thermal technology that launched an entire industry. We excel in industries that have high expectations. We are acknowledged as experts at delivering solutions that exceed specifications, limit risk, and reduce operating costs.Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world!

The Role:

Your Responsibilities:

• Product and Process Development: Develop new products and extrusion processes in support of product management and business goals, from concept and prototyping through production release.
• Material Processing: Develop, implement, and maintain robust extrusion processes for fluoropolymers and polyolefins, including FEP, PFA, ETFE, PTFE, PVDF, and HDPE.
• Process Optimization: Apply PFMEA, process control plans, design of experiments, and structured problem-solving methods to improve extrusion performance, quality, consistency, and manufacturability.
• Production Support: Work closely with production personnel, R&D, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to ensure extrusion processes meet customer specifications, tolerances, and internal requirements.
• Tooling and Equipment: Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to develop extrusion tooling, fixtures, and equipment improvements that support high-precision product manufacturing.
• Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve extrusion processing issues by analyzing process parameters, material behavior, equipment condition, and product performance.
• Training and Best Practices: Provide technical support and training to production staff to ensure adherence to best practices, quality standards, and safe operating procedures.
• Documentation and Compliance: Maintain accurate records of extrusion processes, improvements, process parameters, traceability, and compliance with quality and business management system requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Support productivity improvement, scrap reduction, setup-time reduction, cost savings, material optimization, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Health, Safety, and Environment: Support and comply with all company health, safety, environmental, QMS, and EMS policies and procedures.
• Other assignments as required.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on precision extrusion experience, preferably in cable, wire, tubing, or related polymer extrusion environments.
• Background as an Extrusion Engineer, Plastics Engineer with extrusion specialization, or Process Engineer with extrusion specialization.
• Post-secondary education in an engineering or technical discipline, or equivalent relevant technical experience.
• Preferred degree areas include Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Polymer Science, or Materials Engineering.
• Experience setting up extrusion equipment, running product, troubleshooting process issues, and supporting production teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, adapt to shifting priorities, and contribute to a collaborative project environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, verbal communication, written communication, and computer skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including spreadsheets, databases, and word processing tools.
• Dexterity and visual acuity for product inspection, process evaluation, and computer-based work.

Technical Competencies:

• Experience with extrusion equipment design, operation, setup, and optimization.
• Understanding of the relationship between process instrumentation, equipment settings, material behavior, and observed process effects.
• Strong understanding of polymer rheology, heat transfer, screw design, extrusion tooling, and statistical process control.
• Knowledge of fluoropolymer processing challenges, including corrosion resistance requirements, high-temperature processing, melt stability, and resin drying and handling.
• Experience with DOE, PFMEA, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies.

Root Cause Analysis

At Chromalox, we are not just an employer but a champion of equal opportunities and inclusivity. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that adheres to the highest hiring standards and is free from discrimination and harassment. Chromalox is an equal opportunity employer; our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, ensuring that no individual is mistreated or discriminated against based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.