Process Engineer, Building Products

Westlake Chemical; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical Corporation in Salisbury, NC seeks a Process Engineer to champion process engineering at the Salisbury facility, focusing on extrusion and production improvements.

The role requires 3–5 years of experience in polymer processing, collaboration with R&D and Manufacturing, and relocation to or near Salisbury with up to 10% travel to other Westlake sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (ABET‑accredited) in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering.
• 3–5 years of hands-on process engineering experience, preferably in polymer extrusion/injection molding.
• Strong data-driven decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across functions and levels.
• Leadership and collaboration within cross-disciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of DOE, DMAIC, FMEA and statistical analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure activities are conducted safely and professionally, with accountability.
• Collaborate with R&D and Manufacturing to bring new products to market.
• Assist in capital equipment budgeting and process improvement.
• Interface with customers and stakeholders to plan and solve production issues.
• Analyze data using statistical software and report results clearly.
• Develop and test new material compounds to meet productivity targets.
• Continuously improve extrusion processes and reduce scrap.
• Maintain records of compound formulations and properties.
• Assist in development of other projects related to extrusion equipment.

Skills

Data-driven decisions

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Statistical analysis

DOE/ DMAIC knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

SUMMARY

We are in search of a Process Engineer to champion process engineering at the Salisbury, NC composite siding and trim manufacturing facility.

RELOCATION AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be currently residing in or near Salisbury, NC, or willing to relocate to the area.
• Must be willing to travel up to 10% to support other Westlake sites.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that all activities are conducted in a safe and professional manner, and hold others accountable to the same level.
• Partner with R&D and Manufacturing in leveraging gated processes to bring new products, concepts and ideas to market.
• Assist in capital equipment budget planning and specifying to improve on existing production techniques and to develop new products and production methods.
• Interface with internal and external customers and stakeholders to strategically plan and develop new products and solve a variety of production related issues.
• Analyze data using statistical software and communicate results into easy to understand formats.
• Help develop, trial and implement new material compounds to meet productivity and business objectives.
• Continuous improvement of production processes to improve rates, properties, densities, reduce scrap, etc. by utilizing lab equipment and coordinating trials on pilot and production extrusion equipment.
• Develop collaborative relationships with suppliers to stay abreast of new machinery and/or raw materials.
• Retain samples and controls for production and sales as requested.
• Continually update stakeholders on status of projects through email, phone and meeting participation.
• Maintain electronic records of compound formulations and physical/thermal properties of profiles.
• Assist in development and testing of projects not directly related to extrusion, i.e. print rolls, heat transfer rolls, injection molding, etc.
• Calculate formulation costs and costs of material in extruded parts for management’s evaluation in new and existing parts.
• Attend trade shows, classes and training seminars to keep skills up to date and learn about new equipment, chemicals, new processes related to our industry.
• May serve as technical representative in trade association meetings, i.e. SPE, PIA, AAMA and NFRC, etc.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state safety and environmental regulations.
• Maintain constructive working relationship with all employees and supervisors/managers.
• Perform other duties as assigned to satisfaction of your reporting manager.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.

The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

May require travel up to 10% of the time.

Incumbent must be able to travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in the office. The position requires the incumbent travel to the various manufacturing facilities as much as 10% of the time. The work environment at the facilities can include excessive noise levels, exposure to weather elements, working around or adjacent to moving and mobile equipment and climbing ladders. Appropriate personal protective equipment including hearing protection, steel toe shoes, safety glasses and/or hard hats may be required while working in a facility.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Job Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from ABET accredited university in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials or Industrial Engineering.

Experience: Minimum 3 to 5 years of functional and HANDS-ON process engineering experience preferably within polymer injection molding & extrusion processes or other physical/chemical production environments.

Skills: Exceptional ability to collaboratively solve challenging problems is a must. Demonstrated ability to make data driven decisions as a team to identify root cause of production issues is required. Must be able to organize data, people and tasks; possess leadership skills; have a strong working knowledge of our products and possess problem-solving skills and conflict resolution skills. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and build consensus amongst a diverse technical and operational team.

Knowledge of the manufacture, testing, analysis and application of Polymer chemistry. Six sigma green/black belt and knowledge of DOE, DMAIC, Fishbone, 5-Why, FMEA, statistical analysis, etc. is preferred.

Communication: Effectively communicate with all levels of employment both verbally and in writing. Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build collaborative working relationships across a diverse organization are critical to success in this role.

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions — from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer.

Westlake (NYSE: WLK) is a global diversified industrial company that manufactures and supplies essential products that enhance the daily lives of people around the globe. Our products, now under a One Westlake brand, supply the necessary building blocks for everyday products across housing and infrastructure, packaging and healthcare, and automotive and consumer goods. Consumers gain the benefits of materials Westlake produces in products such as food packaging, medical devices, soaps and detergents, car interiors, fashion, toys, shoes, furniture, electronics, siding, stone veneer, windows, outdoor living, roofing, and pipe & fittings.

Westlake is proud to contribute to driving a sustainable future through the creation of essential products that are Enhancing Your Life Every Day®. To view other career opportunities at Westlake and our family of companies, visit https://westlaketalent.com