Industrial Process Engineer/Manufacturing Engineer

Westlake Pipe & Fittings; Leola (PA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Quarterly incentive plan

Educational assistance

Fitness reimbursement

Job summary

The Westlake Pipe & Fittings company in Leola, PA, is seeking a Process Engineer who will play a vital role in optimizing manufacturing processes and driving continuous improvement. You will lead initiatives aimed at enhancing plant output, reducing downtime, and achieving cost efficiencies.

Candidates should possess a B.S. degree in Engineering and have 3-10 years of experience in a high-volume manufacturing setting. Responsibilities include developing SOPs, conducting data analysis, and leading safety initiatives. This is a fully onsite position requiring hands-on involvement.

Qualifications

• 3-10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in HSE regulatory compliance/engineering.
• Fundamental understanding of OT networks, industrial controls, and automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct technical activities to solve operational problems.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures.
• Conduct data analysis and prepare improvement reports.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six-Sigma

Communication

Education

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

Tools

PLC programming

Data analysis tools

Project management tools

Continuous improvement tools

Job description

Benefits

Benefits day 1, 4 % 401(k) match plus 3 % annual employer contribution, quarterly incentive plan up to 8 %, plus programs for fitness reimbursement, educational assistance, and employee assistance.

Summary

The 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 Responsibilities

• Support operations by leading and directing technical activities necessary to solve problems encountered in any part of the facility.
• Develop and 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 Safety

• Participate 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 Relations

• Ensure own conduct and that of direct reports is in accordance with Westlake Code of Business Ethics and the Workplace Discrimination/Harassment Policy.
• Communicate with employees, plant and supervisory staff as required.
• Provide training and development for direct reports, as required.
• Build 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 Qualifications

• B.S. degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Mechanical, or Material Science Engineering, plus 3‑10 years 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 to 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, 6:30 am‑4 pm (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 Demands

While 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 Environment

This 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. This may 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.