Senior Plastics Process Engineer – Thermoforming & Lean

Systematic Business Consulting; Manitowoc (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Plastics Manufacturer in Manitowoc, WI seeks a Process Engineer to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste and variation, and support high-quality production for a diverse customer base.

The ideal candidate has hands-on plastics manufacturing and thermoforming experience, strong problem-solving and data analysis skills, and is adept at leading process improvements and cross-functional collaborations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred
• 5+ years of operations or engineering experience, preferably in plastics manufacturing
• 2+ years hands-on experience with thermoforming equipment

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of key plant processes including plastics processing, sheet extrusion, rollstock production
• Drive process improvement, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting through data collection and analysis
• Plan and execute DOE and production trials to improve repeatability and reduce variation
• Optimize material and labor utilization, production output, setup times, conversion costs, and product quality
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste using LEAN and Operational Excellence tools
• Evaluate materials and process conditions and recommend improvements
• Work with production operators and R&D to plan/process trials
• Support customer complaint investigations through root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Develop and improve SOPs and production processes
• Lead short- and long-term engineering projects and train personnel
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, R&D, and commercial teams to support customer satisfaction
• Ensure projects comply with ISO/IMS, EHS, and Operational Excellence requirements

Skills

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Continuous improvement

LEAN

Six Sigma

Operational Excellence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Plastics Manufacturer in Manitowoc, WI seeks a Process Engineer to improve manufacturing processes, reduce waste and variation, and support high-quality production for a diverse customer base.

The ideal candidate has hands-on plastics manufacturing and thermoforming experience, strong problem-solving and data analysis skills, and is adept at leading process improvements and cross-functional collaborations.