Lead Process Engineering - Polymer Manufacturing

Plastic Executive Recruiters; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Plastic Executive Recruiters is partnering with a forward-thinking manufacturing organization to identify an exceptional Process Engineering Manager who will join the core leadership team. This senior role offers high visibility, strategic direction, and operational authority over processing capabilities and continuous improvement initiatives.

The candidate will be a true technical SME in high-precision polymer processing, able to lead cross-functional teams and deliver bottom-line improvements

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on engineering experience in custom polymer manufacturing.
• Expert knowledge of compression molding, injection molding, profile extrusion or thermoforming.
• Proven leadership in a managerial or senior technical capacity with strong results.
• Deep understanding of processing machinery, tooling, automation, and material behavior on the plant floor.
• Strong strategic insight with hands-on floor execution perspective.
• History of serving as a key decision-maker in facility-wide operations and CI initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Shape operational strategy and performance goals as a core member of the plant leadership team.
• Direct and mentor the process engineering and floor technical teams to elevate capabilities and accountability.
• Act as the primary technical SME on processing methodologies, machine capabilities, setup optimization, and tooling integration.
• Lead root-cause analysis and advanced troubleshooting to reduce scrap and maximize efficiency.
• Oversee process standardization, cycle time optimization, and new product introductions across major production lines.
• Collaborate with tool design, maintenance, and leadership to evaluate upgrades and capital expenditure projects.

Skills

Process engineering

Leadership

Polymer processing

Molding technologies

Continuous improvement

Job description

Plastic Executive Recruiters is partnering with a forward-thinking manufacturing organization to identify an exceptional Process Engineering Manager who will join the core leadership team. This senior role offers high visibility, strategic direction, and operational authority over processing capabilities and continuous improvement initiatives.

The candidate will be a true technical SME in high-precision polymer processing, able to lead cross-functional teams and deliver bottom-line improvements