Lead Extrusion Developer

ViziRecruiter,LLC.; Hastings (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Collaborative, learning-driven environment

Innovative culture embracing advanced solutions

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Hastings, Minnesota is seeking a Lead Extrusion Developer to spearhead the development team through the New Product Development process. Utilizing your extrusion tooling expertise and hands-on processing skills, you'll manage projects, innovate technology, and ensure alignment with quality and performance standards. Join a collaborative and forward-thinking environment that emphasizes advanced solutions and offers a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of profile extrusion tooling development experience required.
• Experience with machine operation and processing equipment preferred.
• Knowledge of Polymer Science is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor extrusion developers within the department.
• Oversee all phases of the NPD process.
• Design, develop, and tune extrusion dies using cutting-edge techniques.
• Set up and operate extrusion equipment during development.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and advanced development methods.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to make data-driven decisions

Highly organized

Proven ability to set up and operate extrusion equipment

Strong problem-solving mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Technical Discipline

Coursework in Plastics Technology preferred

Tools

Lathes

Mills

Grinders

Job description

Introduction

Intek Plastics specializes in designing, manufacturing, assembling, and delivering a wide variety of customized plastic extrusions in the Fenestration, Hydroponic, Lighting, Refrigeration, and Power Management Industries.

Overview

We are seeking a Lead Extrusion Developerto direct and support our development team through all phases of the New Product Development (NPD) process. In this role, you will leverage your extrusion tooling expertise, hands‑on processing skills, and leadership ability to drive successful project outcomes in alignment with performance, cost, and timeline expectations.

This role is ideal for a highly motivated problem solver who thrives on tackling complex tooling and processing challenges, leading teams, and advancing extrusion technology.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to influence and develop next‑generation extrusion technologies.
• Collaborative, learning‑driven environment.
• Innovative culture embracing advanced solutions, including AI‑driven development.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor extrusion developers within the department.
• Oversee all phases of the NPD process, ensuring alignment with performance standards, specifications, and timelines.
• Design, develop, and tune extrusion dies and downstream cooling tooling using cutting‑edge techniques.
• Set up and operate extrusion equipment during development and testing.
• Provide accurate tooling and process estimates for customer quotations.
• Ensure smooth, efficient handoff of projects from development to production.
• Identify and evaluate new technologies and advanced development methods, including AI‑driven solutions.
• Support scrap reduction initiatives and process improvement efforts.
• Oversee validation of tooling rebuilds and maintain documentation within the ERP system.
• Maintain high‑quality standards in alignment with the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Technical Discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Coursework in Plastics Technology preferred.
• 5+ years of profile extrusion tooling development experience required.
• Experience with machine operation and processing equipment (lathes, mills, grinders, etc.) preferred.
• Knowledge of Polymer Science is a plus.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make data‑driven decisions independently and quickly.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven ability to set up and operate extrusion equipment and related tools.
• Strong problem‑solving mindset with a drive toward efficiency, learning, and innovation.