Process Engineering Manager

Plastic Executive Recruiters; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Plastic Executive Recruiters is partnering with a forward-thinking manufacturing organization to identify an exceptional Process Engineering Manager who will join the core leadership team. This senior role offers high visibility, strategic direction, and operational authority over processing capabilities and continuous improvement initiatives.

The candidate will be a true technical SME in high-precision polymer processing, able to lead cross-functional teams and deliver bottom-line improvements

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on engineering experience in custom polymer manufacturing.
• Expert knowledge of compression molding, injection molding, profile extrusion or thermoforming.
• Proven leadership in a managerial or senior technical capacity with strong results.
• Deep understanding of processing machinery, tooling, automation, and material behavior on the plant floor.
• Strong strategic insight with hands-on floor execution perspective.
• History of serving as a key decision-maker in facility-wide operations and CI initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Shape operational strategy and performance goals as a core member of the plant leadership team.
• Direct and mentor the process engineering and floor technical teams to elevate capabilities and accountability.
• Act as the primary technical SME on processing methodologies, machine capabilities, setup optimization, and tooling integration.
• Lead root-cause analysis and advanced troubleshooting to reduce scrap and maximize efficiency.
• Oversee process standardization, cycle time optimization, and new product introductions across major production lines.
• Collaborate with tool design, maintenance, and leadership to evaluate upgrades and capital expenditure projects.

Skills

Process engineering

Leadership

Polymer processing

Molding technologies

Continuous improvement

Job description

An established, fast-growing, privately-held, financially stable manufacturing organization is seeking an exceptional, highly experienced Process Engineering Manager to join the core leadership team. As one of the top four key decision-makers at the plant level, this position offers high visibility, strategic direction, and operational authority over facility processing capabilities, technical development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

We are looking for a true technical subject matter expert and well-connected leader who possesses deep expertise in high-precision polymer processing and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a core member of the plant leadership team, shaping overall operational strategy, technical direction, and performance goals.
• Direct and mentor the process engineering and floor technical teams, elevating team capabilities, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Serve as the primary technical subject matter expert on processing methodologies, machine capabilities, setup optimization, and tooling integration.
• Lead root-cause analysis and advanced troubleshooting for complex processing challenges to drive down scrap rates and maximize efficiency.
• Oversee process standardization, cycle time optimization, and new product introductions across major production lines.
• Collaborate closely with tool design, maintenance, and plant leadership to evaluate equipment upgrades, facility layout enhancements, and capital expenditure projects.

Qualifications:

• Extensive, hands-on engineering experience within custom polymer manufacturing environments.
• Subject matter expert-level knowledge of primary processing methodologies, such as compression molding, injection molding, profile extrusion, or thermoforming.
• Proven leadership experience in a managerial or senior technical capacity, with a strong track record of driving results through team development.
• Deep technical understanding of processing machinery, tool construction, automation, and material behavior on the plant floor.
• Strong strategic insight paired with a preference for remaining actively connected to floor execution.
• Proven history of serving as a key decision-maker in facility-wide operations and continuous improvement initiatives.