Polypropylene Extrusion Process Engineer
BS-level Process Engineering roles on Crosslinked list a median of $113k (672 that show pay).
Optimize polypropylene sheet extrusion lines, troubleshoot equipment, and drive process improvements.
Worth knowing
Why it is interesting. Own process parameters and scale-up for hollow-form PP sheet and carton products, with recycled-content evaluation.
Might not be for you. Production-floor focused with heavy troubleshooting and continuous-improvement work, not open-ended R&D.
Core polymer roleoptimize polypropylene extrusion processes; temperature profiles, screw speeds, melt pressures; evaluate resin formulations and recycled content
- Seniority
- Mid-level
- Work
- On-site
- Type
- Full-time
- Degree
- BS
- Industry
- Packaging
- Role
- Process Engineering
Role details
Company
SeaCa Plastic Packaging, LLC
Salary
$87,500–$100,000 annually, depending on experience
Department
Operations / Manufacturing Engineering
Reports To
Production Manager
Role Description
The Polypropylene Extrusion Process Engineer is a full-time, on-site role located in the Surprise, AZ. This position will focus on optimizing the production of hollow form polypropylene (PP) sheets and carton products. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on extrusion experience, strong troubleshooting abilities, and a passion for improving manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and equipment performance.
Process Engineering & Production Optimization
- Monitor and optimize polypropylene extrusion processes to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
- Troubleshoot extrusion equipment and resolve production-related issues.
- Develop and improve processing parameters, including temperature profiles, screw speeds, melt pressures, line speeds, and cooling conditions.
- Analyze production data to identify opportunities to increase throughput, reduce scrap, and minimize downtime.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address recurring manufacturing issues.
- Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
Quality & Product Development
- Ensure products meet specifications for thickness, weight, flute geometry, stiffness, and dimensional stability.
- Partner with Quality Assurance to address quality concerns and customer complaints.
- Evaluate raw materials, additives, resin formulations, and recycled content.
- Support new product development, process validation, customer trials, and production scale-up.
Qualifications
- Strong foundation in Chemical Engineering and Process Engineering, with experience in polymer or plastics processing, preferably polypropylene extrusion.
- Proficiency in Process Design, including the development and optimization of extrusion lines, equipment layouts, and process flows.
- Experience with Process Control, including setting and maintaining operating parameters, implementing control strategies, and working with instrumentation and automation systems.
- Advanced Analytical Skills to interpret process data, perform root-cause analysis, and drive data-based improvements in quality, throughput, and efficiency.
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications in plastics or extrusion engineering are a plus.
- Knowledge of safety, environmental, and food-contact packaging regulations and standards; experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Ability to work collaboratively on-site with cross-functional teams, communicate technical information clearly, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting.
- Commitment to sustainability, continuous improvement, and maintaining a safe work environment.
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