Process Engineer

JS; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

JSP International in Detroit is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer to design, test, and implement improvements that boost product quality, increase efficiency, and reduce costs on the production floor.

You will work closely with production, maintenance, engineering, plant leadership, technical teams, and customers to solve problems, run trials, and translate successful changes into lasting standards across operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 1-3 years of plastics manufacturing or related environment.
• Experience with process control, statistics, and problem-solving.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel for handling manufacturing data.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work on the plant floor.

Responsibilities

• Monitor production and process performance to improve quality and efficiency.
• Plan and conduct trials for new products, methods, and equipment; evaluate against alternatives.
• Apply statistical methods and designed experiments to identify root causes and verify improvements.
• Lead cross-functional teams to resolve extrusion and expansion issues and document standards.
• Provide technical troubleshooting support and coordinate corrective actions on the shop floor.
• Maintain and improve plant control systems, interfaces, hardware, and software.
• Track manufacturing and quality metrics and report to plant leadership.

Skills

Process engineering

Statistical methods

Problem solving

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Plastics manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Databases

Job description

Description

JSP International is seeking a hands‑on Process Engineer to support our Detroit manufacturing operation. In this role, you will design, test, and implement process improvements that strengthen product quality, increase manufacturing efficiency, improve equipment reliability, and reduce cost. You will work closely with production, maintenance, engineering, plant leadership, technical teams, and customers to solve problems and turn successful trials into sustainable operating practices.

What You'll Do

• Monitor Resin production and process performance, using feedback from engineering, molding teams, and customers to improve product quality and moldability.
• Plan and conduct manufacturing trials for new products, processing methods, equipment, and technologies; evaluate results against current and competitive alternatives.
• Use sound engineering practices, statistical process control, and designed experiments to identify root causes and verify improvements.
• Lead cross‑functional teams in resolving extrusion and expansion process issues and converting successful solutions into documented standards.
• Provide technical troubleshooting support to production and maintenance, including directing corrective actions when needed.
• Maintain and improve plant control systems, programs, operator interfaces, hardware, and software.
• Track key manufacturing and quality measures, compare results with goals, and communicate performance to plant leaders and production teams.
• Support equipment design, installation, startup, and contractor coordination for capital and process‑improvement projects.
• Develop procedures and training that strengthen process knowledge, safety, quality, and consistent execution across operations.
• Collaborate with local and global technical teams, vendors, plant leaders, and other JSP facilities on high priority manufacturing challenges.

Develop Recycling Solutions

In addition to improving current operations, you will help develop and scale recycling processes for production scrap and other recoverable materials. This includes evaluating material streams, running trials, defining process controls and quality criteria, identifying equipment or handling needs, and partnering with production, quality, EHS, suppliers, and technical teams to convert viable concepts into safe, repeatable, and cost‑effective manufacturing practices.

Requirements

What We are Looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• One to three years of experience in plastics manufacturing or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Experience with process control, statistical methods, and manufacturing problem‑solving.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word and Excel, with the ability to work with manufacturing data and databases.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Natural curiosity and the ability to figure things out in an ambiguous environment
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex problems, implement solutions, and verify results.
• Ability to work effectively on the plant floor and collaborate with operators, technicians, maintenance, engineers, and leaders.

Preferred Strengths

• Knowledge of polymer extrusion and expansion processes.
• Experience with manufacturing control systems and programming.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and self‑directed learning skills.
• Ability to build support for process changes through clear reasoning, training, and follow‑through.

Work Environment

This role operates in an active manufacturing environment and requires the ability to hear, speak, stand, sit, bend, climb, and stoop, with or without reasonable accommodation. The position also requires the ability to use mechanical and electrical equipment, wear required personal protective equipment, and follow all safety, quality, environmental, OSHA, and JSP policies and procedures. Periodic after‑hours troubleshooting support may be required based on operational needs.

Why This Role Matters

Your work will directly influence product performance, manufacturing cost, uptime, and the reliability of critical production processes. If you enjoy solving practical engineering problems, testing ideas on the plant floor, and helping teams adopt lasting improvements, we encourage you to apply.

About JSP

JSP International is a global leader in engineered lightweight foam products, providing innovative solutions that enhance safety, sustainability, and performance across a variety of industries. Our materials are used in automotive, HVAC, packaging, construction, and industrial applications around the world.

At our Detroit manufacturing facility, we are committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and technological innovation. Our employees play a critical role in developing and improving manufacturing processes, driving quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. We foster a collaborative environment where employees are empowered to solve problems, contribute new ideas, and grow their careers while helping shape the future of advanced materials.

If you're passionate about manufacturing, process optimization, and making a measurable impact, JSP offers an opportunity to be part of a global organization with a local team-focused culture.