Industrial Process Engineer/Manufacturing Engineer

Westlake Chemical; Leola (PA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings in Leola, PA, is seeking a Process Engineer to lead daily plant operations, optimize production, reduce downtime and scrap, and support capital projects. You will develop procedures, analyze data, and drive continuous improvement actions across the facility.

You will implement lean and Six Sigma tools, manage standards, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Material Science Engineering with 3–10 years of manufacturing experience.
• High-volume, continuous manufacturing environment experience.
• Experience in HSE regulatory compliance/engineering required.
• Experience in PVC processing and extrusion highly desired.
• Fundamental understanding of OT networks, industrial controls and automation highly desired.
• Process/Manufacturing Engineering and CI skills and expertise.
• A results-oriented problem solver with an analytical approach.
• Excellent verbal & written communication.
• A hands-on individual with the ability drive results through others.
• Six Sigma Green/Black Belt and knowledge of DOE preferred.
• Must be able to work Mon - Fri, 6:30am - 4pm; commute daily to Leola, PA (onsite).
• Willingness to travel 1-4 weeks per year.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct technical activities to solve problems across the facility.
• Develop & maintain process guidelines (SOP/SOC) and training for new products and systems.
• Conduct data analysis of scrap, downtime, line rates, and material usage; prepare charts and reports.
• Reduce process variation to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to standards.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives through materials, product, and process improvements.
• Facilitate improvement sessions and action plans for WCI and PIP.
• Identify opportunities to reduce utilities, cycle times, scrap, downtime, and labor.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, 5S/6S, TPM, Kaizen, VSM, DOEs, FMEAs, and other CI tools.
• Update manufacturing standards after performance improvements.
• Develop work cell layouts to optimize material flow and support 5S/visual management.
• Initiate new equipment/technologies with scope definitions, RFQ docs, and timelines.

Skills

Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Verbal & written communication

Education

B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, or Material Science Engineering

Tools

DOE knowledge

PLC programming

OT networks

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive culture that empowers and encourages our associates to succeed through individual achievement and teamwork. A career at Westlake Pipe & Fittings, is enriched with an innovative spirit, high work ethic, and rewarding experiences. We foster a culture that supports professional development, personal growth, and opportunities for advancement.Benefits day 1, 4% 401k match plus 3% annual employer contribution, quarterly incentive plan up to 8%, plus programs for fitness reimbursement, educational assistance, and employee assistance. Take your career to the next level and join us now!SUMMARYThe Westlake Process Engineer will be heavily involved in the daily operations of the facility and is a key member of the plant leadership team. Lead the manufacturing program for plant output optimization, down-time reduction, scrap reduction, process control, and material usage optimization. Provide problem solving consultation, develop engineering procedures, and support for capital projects.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESSupport operations by leading and directing technical activities necessary to solve problems encountered in any part of the facility.Develop & maintain process guidelines (SOP/SOC) and training programs for the integration of new products and systems.Conduct data analysis of scrap, downtime, line rates, and material usage. Prepare charts, and reports to assist the plant team to make data driven decisions to improve results.Continually strive to reduce process variation (improve process capability) to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to manufacturing and agency standards.Lead cost reduction initiatives through materials, product, and process improvements. Facilitate brainstorming sessions and develop action plans for the Westlake Improvement Process (WCI) Profit Improvement Process (PIP). Examples include activities to reduce utilities consumption, cycle times, scrap, downtime, material usage variance, and direct labor.Utilize a variety of continuous improvement tools such as: Lean Manufacturing/Toyota Production Systems, Six-Sigma, 5S/6S, Total Productive Maintenance, Kaizen Events, Value Stream Maps, DOEs, FMEAs, Advanced Problem-Solving, etc.Participate in updating of manufacturing standards as a result of performance improvements.Develop work cell layouts in an effort to optimize material flow and support 5S and visual management initiatives.Initiate new equipment and technologies to maintain the company’s competitive advantage; including detailed scope definitions with the plant (capabilities, throughput, and equipment controls including function block diagrams, process parameters, and data acquisition requirements), RFQ documents, and execution timeline plans (including facility preparation, installation, HSE, training, production ramp-up, etc.).OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETYParticipate and lead others in near miss, hazard, and incident reporting.Participate and/or cooperate with the JHSC to improve safety.Perform housekeeping activities as required.Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Workplace Safety Insurance Act (WSI Act), and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).Comply with Health and Safety rules, policies and procedures of the division.EMPLOYEE RELATIONSEnsure own conduct and that of direct reports is in accordance with Westlake Code of Business Ethics and the Workplace Discrimination/Harassment PolicyCommunicate with employees, plant and supervisory staff as required.Provide training and development for direct reports, as requiredBuild participative working relationships with plant and management personnel.Comply with company rules, regulations and policies as stated in the Employee Relations Manual and/or Employee Handbook.EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONSB.S. degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Mechanical, or Material Science Engineering, plus 3-10 years of experience of manufacturing work experience.High volume, continuous manufacturing environment.Experience in HSE regulatory compliance/engineering required.Experience in PVC processing and Extrusion highly desired.Fundamental understanding of OT networks, industrial controls and automation highly desired.Process Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering / CI skills and expertise.A results-oriented problem solver with an analytical approach.Excellent verbal & written communication.A hands-on individual with the ability drive results through others.Six sigma green/black belt and knowledge of DOE preferred.Knowledge of mistake-proofing sensor technology and PLC programming is desirable.Must be able to work Mon - Fri, 6:30am - 4pm (45 - 50 hours/week.)Must be able to commute daily into our Leola, PA plant. Fully onsite role.Must be able to travel for 1-4 weeks per year. Likely 3-4 weeks per year in the first couple of years.PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENTThis is a hands-on position. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as half of the time is based in an office and half of the time will be required in the operating units which can require usage of PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements with hot and cold temperatures and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.