Process Engineer – Plastics Extrusion

Role details

About Us

We are a growing advanced materials manufacturing company located in Johnsonville, South Carolina, with approximately 200 employees. As part of a publicly traded global materials group, we specialize in high-performance polymer materials, engineering plastics, modified plastics, and advanced composite materials.

Our products serve various industries, including automotive, renewable energy, electronics, energy storage, and industrial manufacturing.

As we continue to expand our North American operations, we are seeking a motivated and technically skilled Process Engineer to join our manufacturing team.

Position Summary

The Process Engineer will be responsible for optimizing, troubleshooting, and improving polymer compounding and extrusion processes in a manufacturing environment.

This position focuses on twin-screw extrusion operations involving engineering polymers such as Nylon (PA), Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in plastics manufacturing, extrusion, or polymer compounding, with strong technical problem-solving skills and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Process Engineering & Optimization

• Plan, coordinate, and optimize polymer mixing, compounding, and twin-screw extrusion processes.
• Monitor and improve manufacturing processes to achieve production targets, product quality, and operational efficiency.
• Identify and resolve process-related issues, including equipment performance, material processing, and production inefficiencies.
• Improve process capability, production throughput, and consistency while maintaining quality standards.
• Provide technical support to production teams during daily manufacturing operations.

Equipment & Technical Support

• Support the installation, setup, commissioning, and optimization of manufacturing equipment.
• Develop or review mechanical drawings and recommend equipment modifications as needed.
• Troubleshoot extrusion equipment and other manufacturing machinery.
• Research and recommend new manufacturing technologies, equipment improvements, and process upgrades.
• Train production personnel on equipment operation and manufacturing processes.

Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with the Quality Department to ensure products meet customer specifications and quality requirements.
• Support workplace safety initiatives and ensure compliance with established safety procedures.
• Participate in incident investigations and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Analyze manufacturing costs and identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and lower operating expenses.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Plant Management to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Provide technical guidance and process troubleshooting support to production supervisors and operators.
• Promote teamwork, effective communication, and a positive working environment.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field, with at least 2 years of hands-on experience in plastics manufacturing, extrusion, or polymer compounding.

OR

• Associate degree in a related technical field with at least 7 years of manufacturing experience.

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of plastics manufacturing processes and production equipment.
• Understanding of polymer processing, extrusion, and compounding operations.
• Ability to troubleshoot manufacturing processes and equipment-related issues.
• Knowledge of manufacturing quality standards, safety procedures, and process improvement practices.
• Experience with twin-screw extrusion or polymer compounding is highly desirable.

Professional Skills

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated initiative, leadership potential, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Why Join Us?

• Join a growing advanced materials manufacturer with a strong global presence.
• Work with advanced polymer processing and manufacturing technologies.
• Gain exposure to international manufacturing operations and technical resources.
• Contribute directly to process innovation, operational efficiency, and product quality.
• Build your career in a collaborative and growth-oriented manufacturing environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person