Process Engineer (PVC)

Westlake Chemical; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

quarterly incentive plan

education assistance

employee assistance

fitness reimbursement

Job summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings seeks a Process Engineer to lead daily plant operations optimization, reduce downtime, cut scrap, and improve material usage. You will develop procedures, analyze data, and support capital projects.

The role requires a BS in engineering, experience in high-volume manufacturing, and strong problem-solving and communication skills. Travel and hands-on work in a contained plant environment are expected.

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering with manufacturing experience.
• Experience in high-volume PVC processing and extrusion preferred.
• Knowledge of OT networks and industrial controls is desirable.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical activities to solve facility-wide problems and improve performance.
• Develop and maintain SOPs/SOCs and training for new products.
• Analyze scrap, downtime, line rates, and material usage for data-driven decisions.
• Drive cost reductions through materials, product and process improvements.
• Support capital projects from scope to ramp-up.

Skills

Process engineering

Problem solving

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Education

B.S. in Electrical/Mechanical/Material Science Engineering

Tools

PLC programming

Automation systems

DOE

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. Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok® spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Benefits day 1, 4% 401k match plus 3% annual employer contribution, quarterly incentive plan up to 8%, plus programs for fitness reimbursement, educational assistance, and employee assistance.

SUMMARY

The Westlake Process Engineer will be heavily involved in the daily operations of the facility and is a key member of the plant leadership team. Lead the manufacturing program for plant output optimization, down-time reduction, scrap reduction, process control, and material usage optimization. Provide problem solving consultation, develop engineering procedures, and support for capital projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support operations by leading and directing technical activities necessary to solve problems encountered in any part of the facility. Develop & maintain process guidelines (SOP/SOC) and training programs for the integration of new products and systems. Conduct data analysis of scrap, downtime, line rates, and material usage. Prepare charts, and reports to assist the plant team to make data driven decisions to improve results. Continually strive to reduce process variation (improve process capability) to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to manufacturing and agency standards. Lead cost reduction initiatives through materials, product, and process improvements. Facilitate brainstorming sessions and develop action plans for the Westlake Improvement Process (WCI) Profit Improvement Process (PIP). Examples include activities to reduce utilities consumption, cycle times, scrap, downtime, material usage variance, and direct labor. Utilize a variety of continuous improvement tools such as: Lean Manufacturing/Toyota Production Systems, Six-Sigma, 5S/6S, Total Productive Maintenance, Kaizen Events, Value Stream Maps, DOEs, FMEAs, Advanced Problem-Solving, etc. Participate in updating of manufacturing standards as a result of performance improvements. Develop work cell layouts in an effort to optimize material flow and support 5S and visual management initiatives. Initiate new equipment and technologies to maintain the company’s competitive advantage; including detailed scope definitions with the plant (capabilities, throughput, and equipment controls including function block diagrams, process parameters, and data acquisition requirements), RFQ documents, and execution timeline plans (including facility preparation, installation, HSE, training, production ramp-up, etc.).

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

Ensure own conduct is in accordance with Westlake Code of Business Ethics and the Workplace Discrimination/Harassment Policy Communicate with employees, plant and supervisory staff as required. Build participative working relationships with plant and management personnel. Comply with company rules, regulations and policies as stated in the Employee Relations Manual and/or Employee Handbook.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Mechanical, or Material Science Engineering, plus 3-10 years of experience of manufacturing work experience.
• High volume, continuous manufacturing environment.
• Experience in PVC processing and Extrusion highly desired.
• Fundamental understanding of OT networks, industrial controls and automation highly desired.
• Process Engineering / Manufacturing Engineering / CI skills and expertise.
• A results-oriented problem solver with an analytical approach.
• Excellent verbal & written communication.
• A hands-on individual with the ability drive results through others.
• Six sigma green/black belt and knowledge of DOE preferred.
• Knowledge of mistake-proofing sensor technology and PLC programming is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; 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, or crouch. 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, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a hands-on position. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as half of the time is based in an office and half of the time will be required in the operating units which can require usage of PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements with hot and cold temperatures and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.

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

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