Production Engineer - Heavy Gauge HDPE Extrusion

Tangentusa; Illinois; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company is seeking a highly skilled Production Engineer in Illinois. The ideal candidate has at least 8 years of experience in heavy gauge HDPE sheet extrusion. Key responsibilities include leading process development, training technicians, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. Candidates should hold a relevant bachelor’s degree and possess strong process optimization skills. This role offers a chance to contribute to innovative production practices in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in heavy gauge HDPE sheet extrusion.
• Strong knowledge of polymer processing principles.
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC).

Responsibilities

• Lead process development and optimization for extrusion lines.
• Train and mentor operators on process control.
• Analyze production data for improvements.

Skills

HDPE sheet extrusion

Process optimization

Lean Manufacturing

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Data analysis tools

Job description

Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Production Engineer with at least 8 years of experience in the manufacture of heavy gauge HDPE sheet extrusion. This role is responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining extrusion processes to ensure maximum efficiency, quality, and safety in production operations.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead process development and optimization for heavy gauge HDPE sheet extrusion lines in an effort to attain industry best capabilities with a focus on flatness and dimensional stability
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for extrusion processes.
• Train and mentor operators and technicians on best practices and process control.
• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for cycle time reduction, scrap minimization, and throughput improvement.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance and R&D teams to implement new materials, tooling, and technology upgrades.
• Troubleshoot complex process issues and provide root cause analysis with corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, safety regulations, and environmental requirements.
• Support capital projects related to extrusion equipment and downstream systems.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 8 years in HDPE sheet extrusion, preferably heavy gauge applications.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field including equivalent industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of polymer processing principles, heavy gauge sheet extrusion equipment, and downstream operations.
• Proven ability to optimize processes for efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis tools.
• Excellent problem‑solving and project management skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with multi‑layer sheet extrusion and advanced cooling/calendaring systems.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and DOE (Design of Experiments).
• Proficiency in CAD software and process simulation tools.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.