Manufacturing Engineer

POLYVANTIS GmbH; Mount Vernon (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Polyvantis is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to provide daily engineering support for plastic film extrusion lines, aiming to improve process reliability, product quality and throughput. The role emphasizes collaboration with Production, Maintenance, Quality and Technical teams to drive improvements and ensure safe, compliant operations.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting extrusion issues, leading optimization projects, and developing SOPs while supporting startups and changeovers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering in Chemistry, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily engineering support for plastic film extrusion lines and related equipment.
• Monitor process performance to improve line stability, throughput, yield and product quality.
• Troubleshoot extrusion issues and equipment to minimize downtime and variation.
• Lead process optimization initiatives for temperature control, gauge consistency and waste reduction.
• Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality and Technical teams to resolve issues.
• Analyze data to identify opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Support startup, shutdown, changeover and trial activities for extrusion lines.
• Develop, update and standardize operating procedures and process settings.
• Lead root-cause analysis for chronic process issues and defects.
• Identify opportunities for equipment upgrades and capital projects.
• Support training for operators on extrusion processes and troubleshooting.
• Ensure changes are managed through MOC/TMOC and risk assessments.
• Support safety, environmental and regulatory compliance for extrusion operations.

Job description

Position Overview

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for providing daily engineering support to site Production Teams with primary focus on plastic film extrusion equipment, processes, and performance. This role works to optimize extrusion operations by improving process reliability, product quality, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily engineering support for plastic film extrusion lines and related auxiliary equipment.
• Monitor and analyze process performance to improve line stability, throughput, yield, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot extrusion process issues, equipment constraints, and operating inefficiencies to minimize downtime and process variation.
• Lead process optimization initiatives focused on temperature control, gauge consistency, resin performance, line speeds, and waste reduction.
• Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Technical teams to resolve process and equipment-related issues.
• Analyze process trends and operating data to identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.
• Support startup, shutdown, changeover, and trial activities for extrusion lines.
• Develop, update, and standardize operating procedures, process settings, and engineering documentation.
• Lead root cause analysis for chronic process issues, product defects, and equipment performance problems.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize opportunities for equipment upgrades, process improvements, and capital projects.
• Support technical training for operators and craft personnel on extrusion processes, equipment operation, and troubleshooting best practices.
• Ensure process and equipment changes are properly managed through Management of Change (MOC), Temporary MOC (TMOC), and risk assessment processes.
• Support compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements for extrusion operations.
• Collaborate on preventive and predictive strategies that improve extrusion equipment reliability and overall manufacturing performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Mechanical, Electrical or Chemical engineering or related industrial field.
• At least 2 years working in chemical industry or manufacturing related environment.
• Good organizational skills.
• Able to communicate well in both open presentation and written report conditions.
• Focus on analysis and problem solving.

Physical Requirements

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Sitting, remaining in a seated position. Alternating sitting or standing at will, lifting or carrying, pushing or pulling, reaching overhead, reaching below shoulder level, keyboarding, climbing ramps or stairs. Other office environment activities.

Work Availability

Regular, predictable attendance is an essential function of this position. Applicants must be regularly available and willing to work Monday–Friday during assigned hours of operation and such other hours as the company determines are necessary or desirable to meet business needs.

We are proud to be a diverse and an equal opportunity employer. We are fully committed to a culture of respect and inclusion.