Process Engineer

Systematic Business Consulting; Manitowoc (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Plastics Manufacturer in Manitowoc, WI seeks a Process Engineer to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste and variation, and support high-quality production for a diverse customer base.

The ideal candidate has hands-on plastics manufacturing and thermoforming experience, strong problem-solving and data analysis skills, and is adept at leading process improvements and cross-functional collaborations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of operations or engineering experience, preferably in plastics manufacturing
• 2+ years hands-on experience with thermoforming equipment

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of key plant processes including plastics processing, sheet extrusion, rollstock production
• Drive process improvement, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting through data collection and analysis
• Plan and execute DOE and production trials to improve repeatability and reduce variation
• Optimize material and labor utilization, production output, setup times, conversion costs, and product quality
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste using LEAN and Operational Excellence tools
• Evaluate materials and process conditions and recommend improvements
• Work with production operators and R&D to plan/process trials
• Support customer complaint investigations through root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Develop and improve SOPs and production processes
• Lead short- and long-term engineering projects and train personnel
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, R&D, and commercial teams to support customer satisfaction
• Ensure projects comply with ISO/IMS, EHS, and Operational Excellence requirements

Skills

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Continuous improvement

LEAN

Six Sigma

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

A leading plastics manufacturer is seeking a Process Engineer to join its growing team in the Manitowoc, WI area. This position will play a key role in improving manufacturing processes, reducing waste and variation, and supporting high-quality production for a diverse customer base.

The ideal candidate will bring hands‑on experience in plastics manufacturing and thermoforming, along with strong problem‑solving, data analysis, and continuous improvement skills.

• Take ownership of key plant processes, including plastics processing, sheet extrusion, rollstock production, and related operations
• Drive process improvement, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting through data collection and analysis
• Plan and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) and production trials to improve process repeatability and reduce variation
• Optimize material and labor utilization, production output, setup times, conversion costs, and product quality
• Identify and implement opportunities to reduce waste and improve process efficiency using LEAN and Operational Excellence tools
• Evaluate materials, formulations, and process conditions and recommend improvements
• Work closely with production operators and R&D personnel to plan and execute process trials
• Support customer complaint investigations through root cause analysis, corrective actions, trials, and effectiveness verification
• Develop and improve SOPs and production processes
• Lead short‑and long‑term engineering projects from identification through execution
• Train production, process, and quality personnel on relevant engineering and process topics
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, R&D, and commercial teams to support customer satisfaction
• Ensure projects and processes comply with applicable ISO/IMS, EHS, and Operational Excellence requirements

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred
• 4 years of relevant experience with thermoforming equipment may be considered in lieu of a degree
• 5+ years of operations or engineering experience required, preferably within plastics manufacturing
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience with thermoforming equipment required
• Strong experience with process improvement, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and data‑driven problem solving
• Ability to read and interpret EHS standards, operating manuals, maintenance instructions, procedures, and applicable regulations
• Manufacturing leadership experience preferred
• LEAN, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, or ISO training/certification preferred
• Experience with budgets and financial reporting is a plus
• SAP or other ERP experience preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook