Extrusion Process Improvement Engineer

Blue Signal Search; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Blue Signal Search seeks an Extrusion Process Improvement Engineer to own hands-on problem solving on blown film extrusion lines, diagnose issues, and drive practical improvements on the production floor.

You will partner with operations to stabilize processes, enhance film quality, and elevate equipment performance while developing technical leadership for future growth. This is a day-shift, on-site role with relocation assistance for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years operating blown film extrusion equipment.
• Strong understanding of blown film equipment and processing with troubleshooting and root cause abilities.
• Hands-on manufacturing experience with equipment and production teams is essential.
• Strong communication skills to train and coach operators and front-line leaders.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose extrusion problems, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
• Improve process stability, equipment performance, film quality, and operating consistency.
• Train and coach operators and front-line leaders on extrusion fundamentals and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with operations leadership to build technical leadership and capability.

Skills

Blown film extrusion

Troubleshooting

Process improvement

Root cause analysis

Team training

Hands-on manufacturing

Safety-focused

Communication

Project management

Education

Technical education preferred

Tools

Basic computer proficiency

Job description

Location: On-site in Toledo, OH and Fort Wayne, IN - Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates

Our client is a growing manufacturer investing heavily in its U.S. production capabilities, advanced equipment, and technical talent. They are seeking a hands-on Extrusion Process Improvement Engineer who can become a go-to resource on the production floor, solve challenging extrusion problems, and help raise the technical capabilities of the broader operations team. This newly created position offers an opportunity to make a visible impact today while building toward greater leadership responsibility in the future.

This Role Offers:

• Competitive compensation with annual incentive opportunity and a comprehensive benefits package.
• Strong retirement benefits, including company matching contributions, plus company-paid life and disability coverage.
• Day shift, Monday through Friday schedule with access to modern blown film manufacturing technology.
• High-visibility opportunity to become a key technical resource and grow toward formal production and people leadership.

Focus:

• Develop deep knowledge of the site's blown film extrusion equipment, processes, and operating methods.
• Serve as a hands-on technical resource for diagnosing extrusion problems, identifying root causes, and implementing practical solutions.
• Partner with production teams to improve process stability, equipment performance, film quality, and operating consistency.
• Apply critical thinking to challenges involving process conditions, materials, equipment settings, and finished product performance.
• Train and coach operators and front-line leaders on extrusion fundamentals, troubleshooting methods, and effective operating practices.
• Strengthen the production team's ability to independently recognize, understand, and resolve process issues.
• Support continuous improvement efforts focused on safety, reliability, quality, throughput, and manufacturing effectiveness.
• Collaborate with operations leadership while developing the technical expertise and leadership capabilities needed for increased responsibility.

Skill Set:

• Minimum of 3 years operating and working directly with blown film extrusion equipment.
• Strong understanding of blown film equipment and processing, with demonstrated troubleshooting and root cause problem-solving ability.
• Background producing complex film products, including multi-layer, coextruded, specialty, or advanced film constructions, is a plus.
• Ability and willingness to work directly with equipment and production teams in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to train, coach, and develop operators and production leaders.
• Leadership potential is essential, while previous supervisory or management experience is helpful but not required.
• Self-directed, safety-focused professional with strong organization, time-management skills, and an eagerness to continuously learn.
• Basic computer proficiency is expected. Technical education is preferred, but relevant hands-on extrusion expertise takes priority over formal education.