Extrusion Process Engineer in Naperville

Energy Jobline ZR; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MRT is seeking an Extrusion Process Engineer near Naperville, IL to build a new process function from the ground up. You will own extrusion operations, drive improvements, and lead cross-functional teams through Kaizen events while coordinating with leadership.

The role requires 3–5 years of extrusion experience, on-floor presence across shifts, and strong problem-solving skills with 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 methodologies.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years extrusion processing experience on the floor.
• Hands-on presence across shifts on the production floor.
• Experience with molds and tooling design and function.
• Familiarity with 5 Why, Fishbone and A3 problem solving.
• Basic SPC and quality documentation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Support and maintain all extrusion processes across a 24-hour operation.
• Perform changeovers, tooling setups, and downstream startups.
• Develop and implement SOPs for all processes from the ground up.
• Lead problem-solving workshops using 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 methods.
• Conduct first article and in-process checks to ensure quality.
• Develop audit systems to address variances and improve yield.
• Monitor regrind percentages and reduce material loss.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance on tooling and equipment.
• Maintain tooling, run, and SOC records for lines, molds, and SKUs.
• Provide training to build cross-functional team capabilities.

Skills

Extrusion processing

Floor-level presence

Problem-solving methods

SPC & quality documentation

Mold & tooling knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in Engineering or related field

Tools

Molds and tooling design

Sheet extrusion experience

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

About the Opportunity

MRT is supporting a well-established and rapidly growing plastics manufacturer near Naperville, Illinois. The company is seeking a dedicated Extrusion Process Engineer. This is a ground-floor opportunity to support and build a process engineering function from scratch. What’s needed now is the right engineer to come in, assess the operation, identify opportunities, and help drive the business to the next level.

This role offers high visibility, genuine autonomy, and a direct line to leadership. The right candidate will not be inheriting a finished function - they will be building one.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Support and maintain all extrusion processes, associates, and equipment across a 24-hour operation
• Perform changeovers, changes, tooling setups, downstream startups, and processing adjustments
• Monitor and adjust SOCs and process controls; document changes and communicate to supervisors and quality teams
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all processes from the ground up
• Lead problem-solving workshops and Kaizen events using 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 methodologies
• Conduct first article and in-process checks to validate and sustain quality controls
• Develop audit systems to identify and address process and tooling variances
• Monitor daily regrind percentages and develop actions to reduce and material loss
• Participate in and coordinate preventive maintenance on tooling and equipment
• Develop and maintain spare tooling and equipment upgrade matrices
• Lead annual and new-hire training to build cross-functional team capabilities
• Perform process qualification procedures (PQP) and develop new process standards
• Maintain all tooling, run, and SOC records for lines, molds, and SKUs
• Troubleshoot equipment issues to resolution and share knowledge across the team

What We’re Looking For

• 3–5 years of extrusion processing experience
• Hands-on, floor-level approach - this role requires presence on the production floor across all shifts as needed
• Working knowledge of molds and tooling design and function
• Familiarity with 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 problem-solving tools
• Basic SPC and quality documentation knowledge
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment independently
• Basic computer skills and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a manufacturing environment
• Associate’s degree or higher in Engineering or related field; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered
• Sheet extrusion experience
• Regrind and/or pelletizing experience
• Spanish skills (a plus, not required)
• Experience developing SOPs in an environment where they didn’t previously exist

Why This Role Stands Out

• Your impact will be immediate and visible
• PE-backed company with significant resources, growth trajectory, and continued investment
• Collaborative, down-to-earth leadership team - high trust
• Real career runway as the company scales and formalizes its operations
• Monday through Friday schedule with standard business hours
• Bonus eligible at 5%