Lead Process Engineer – Extrusion Blow Molding & CI

Hotrun; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hotrun is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer with strong extrusion blow molding experience to lead processing improvements within a growing plastics manufacturing operation in Des Plaines, IL. You will troubleshoot, optimize, and document standard molding processes while mentoring technicians and driving continuous improvement.

You will collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams to reduce downtime, improve cycle times, and ensure safe, compliant manufacturing.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of extrusion blow molding processing experience required.
• Strong troubleshooting ability in molding processes, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems.
• Leadership experience supervising or mentoring technical personnel is preferred.
• Experience developing and documenting molding processes.
• Strong problem‑solving and communication skills.
• Comfortable working independently in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Office; ERP systems are a plus.
• Injection molding or profile extrusion experience is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize daily extrusion blow molding operations.
• Troubleshoot molding, machine, and quality issues to minimize downtime and scrap.
• Develop, document, and maintain standardized molding processes and machine parameters.
• Support machine startups, shutdowns, changeovers, and process validations.
• Improve cycle times, material utilization, quality, and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Monitor production metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Mentor and develop Process Technicians while helping build a strong technical culture.
• Work closely with Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams to resolve production issues.
• Promote a safe manufacturing environment and ensure compliance with company safety standards.

Skills

extrusion blow molding

troubleshooting

leadership

process documentation

problem solving

independent work

MS Office/ERP

injection molding/profile extrusion

Job description

Hotrun is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer with strong extrusion blow molding experience to lead processing improvements within a growing plastics manufacturing operation in Des Plaines, IL. You will troubleshoot, optimize, and document standard molding processes while mentoring technicians and driving continuous improvement.

You will collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality teams to reduce downtime, improve cycle times, and ensure safe, compliant manufacturing.