Process Engineer - Plastics Manufacturing

JS; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Company 401(k) match

Competitive benefits

Job summary

JSP in Detroit seeks a hands-on Process Engineer to support and improve our manufacturing operation. You will optimize processes, troubleshoot production issues, and drive improvements in quality, efficiency, and material utilization.

The role involves participating in trials, capital projects, and sustainability initiatives while collaborating with production, maintenance, and quality teams in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or technical process improvement in manufacturing.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical or production problems, identify root causes, implement solutions, and evaluate results.
• Working knowledge of process control, statistical methods, manufacturing data analysis, or continuous improvement techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to analyze production data and work with databases.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with production and maintenance personnel and communicate technical information clearly.
• Hands‑on approach, initiative, curiosity, and ability to work through technical challenges in a changing manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor manufacturing processes and production performance to identify opportunities to improve quality and efficiency.
• Investigate process deviations, equipment issues, and production problems using structured troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis.
• Develop, test, and evaluate solutions to manufacturing challenges, verifying results through data and performance measurements.
• Plan and conduct manufacturing trials and process experiments to evaluate materials, process settings, and equipment changes.
• Apply statistical methods and data analysis to improve process stability and product quality.
• Analyze KPIs and process trends to identify improvement opportunities and measure results.
• Support troubleshooting and improvement of extrusion, expansion, and related manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and other teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Assist with evaluation, design, installation, and startup of new equipment and capital projects.
• Support troubleshooting of manufacturing control systems and operator interfaces.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and SOPs; provide training as needed.
• Evaluate opportunities to reduce scrap, improve material recovery, and incorporate recycling practices.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Communication

Hands-on

Education

B.S. in Chemical/Mechanical Eng

Tools

PLC programming

HMI design

Excel

DOE software

Job description

About JSP

JSP is a global leader in innovative foam technology, serving industries including automotive, HVAC, packaging, sports, and consumer products. Our products include ARPRO®, a recyclable expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, designed to deliver performance, versatility, and sustainability.

At JSP, we combine advanced materials, manufacturing expertise, and continuous improvement to develop solutions for our customers around the world.

The Opportunity

JSP is seeking a hands‑on Process Engineer to support and improve our Detroit manufacturing operation. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving technical problems, analyzing manufacturing data, working directly with production teams, and turning ideas into measurable improvements.

You will help optimize manufacturing processes, troubleshoot production challenges, support equipment and process improvements, and improve quality, efficiency, and material utilization. You will also have opportunities to participate in manufacturing trials, capital projects, and initiatives that support recycling and sustainability.

We are looking for someone who is curious, analytical, practical, and comfortable working in an active manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor manufacturing processes and production performance to identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, consistency, and cost.
• Investigate process deviations, equipment issues, and production problems using structured troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis.
• Develop, test, and evaluate solutions to manufacturing challenges, verifying results through data and performance measurements.
• Plan and conduct manufacturing trials and process experiments to evaluate materials, process settings, and equipment changes.
• Apply statistical methods, process‑control techniques, and data analysis to improve process stability and product quality.
• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), production data, and process trends to identify improvement opportunities and measure results.
• Support troubleshooting and improvement of extrusion, expansion, and related manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and other teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Assist with the evaluation, design, installation, and startup of new equipment, process modifications, and capital projects.
• Support troubleshooting of manufacturing control systems, operator interfaces, and related equipment or software.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures; communicate changes and provide training as needed.
• Evaluate opportunities to reduce scrap, improve material recovery, and incorporate recycling practices into manufacturing processes.
• Work with global JSP teams to share technical knowledge and support manufacturing improvements.
• Follow all applicable safety, quality, environmental, OSHA, and JSP policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. Equivalent relevant technical experience may be considered.
• One to three years of relevant experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or technical process improvement within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical or production problems, investigate root causes, implement solutions, and evaluate results.
• Working knowledge of process control, statistical methods, manufacturing data analysis, or continuous improvement techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to analyze production data and work with databases.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with production and maintenance personnel and communicate technical information clearly.
• A hands‑on approach, initiative, curiosity, and the ability to work through technical challenges in a changing manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in plastics manufacturing, particularly polymer extrusion, expansion, or foam manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Statistical Process Control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), and structured root‑cause analysis.
• Exposure to industrial automation, manufacturing control systems, PLCs, HMIs, programming, or operator interfaces.
• Experience supporting manufacturing trials, equipment commissioning, process changes, or continuous improvement projects.
• Knowledge of scrap reduction, material recovery, recycling, or sustainable manufacturing practices.
• Experience developing process documentation, communicating technical changes, or training employees on revised processes.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, or programming is a plus, but is not required.

Work Environment

This position works in an active manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with production equipment and plant personnel. Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. The role requires compliance with applicable safety procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, quality standards, environmental regulations, and JSP policies. Occasional after‑hours support may be necessary to address significant process or production issues.

Why Join JSP?

At JSP, your work can directly influence product quality, manufacturing efficiency, equipment reliability, and material sustainability. You will have the opportunity to solve challenging technical problems, develop your engineering skills, and contribute to improvements within a global manufacturing organization.

JSP also invests in its employees through a competitive benefits package, health and welfare benefits effective on your date of hire. JSP matches 200% of employee contributions up to an employee contribution of 3% of eligible compensation. Employees who contribute 3% of eligible compensation can receive a company match equal to 6% of eligible compensation, subject to plan terms.

Employment Eligibility

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Our company does not sponsor employment visas (such as H-1B, TN, etc.) for this position.