Process Engineer: Rubber & Polymer Optimization

Ajulia Executive Search; Rocky Mount (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Ajulia Executive Search is seeking a Process Engineer with at least 3 years of experience in manufacturing, rubber compounding, or polymer processing to monitor and improve Banbury mixing and related processes.

You will lead data-driven optimization, develop SOPs and control plans, and collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to ensure process reliability and product quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing, process engineering, rubber compounding, or polymer processing.
• Strong knowledge of process capability, statistical analysis, process validation, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading cross‑functional projects from concept to implementation.
• Working knowledge of APQP, SPC, and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, data analysis tools, and manufacturing reporting systems; Minitab proficiency is an asset.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ISO 9001 principles preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and improve Banbury mixing, milling, extrusion, curing, and downstream processes.
• Lead process optimization initiatives using data analysis and root cause investigation.
• Develop and validate process parameters, operating windows, and manufacturing documentation (SOPs, control plans, work instructions).
• Support new compounds, formulations, and process changes through trials, validation, and operator training.
• Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to ensure readiness for production.
• Investigate process, quality, and productivity issues using structured methodologies (Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, Fishbone, Pareto, 8D).
• Drive continuous improvement projects to reduce waste, improve throughput, lower costs, and enhance safety.
• Analyze manufacturing data and KPIs to support data‑driven decision making.
• Conduct process capability studies, production trials, and run‑rate assessments.
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, Quality, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Process engineering

Rubber compounding

Polymer processing

Statistical analysis

APQP

SPC

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

ISO 9001

Minitab

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent manufacturing experience

Tools

Minitab

Job description

Ajulia Executive Search is seeking a Process Engineer with at least 3 years of experience in manufacturing, rubber compounding, or polymer processing to monitor and improve Banbury mixing and related processes.

You will lead data-driven optimization, develop SOPs and control plans, and collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to ensure process reliability and product quality.