Process Engineer

Our firm is partnered with an industry‑leading plastics manufacturer based in the greater Chicago‑Land area. They are seeking a Process Engineer to own and build the process engineering function across a growing multi‑line extrusion operation. This is a newly created role due to growth, offering significant autonomy and direct visibility from day one.

This is a hands‑on role supporting a fast‑paced extrusion environment producing products for world‑renowned channels. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, a continuous improvement mindset, and the ability to independently assess operations, identify opportunities, and drive measurable results.

• Own process engineering across the extrusion manufacturing operations
• Develop SOPs, audit systems, and process controls where none currently exist
• Monitor and adjust process parameters, regrind percentages, and tooling setups with full documentation
• Lead Kaizen events and drive a continuous improvement culture across production teams
• Conduct tooling setups, changeovers, color changes, and start‑ups
• Perform 1st article and in‑process checks to validate sustained process control
• Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies, including 5 Whys, Fishbone, and A3 documentation
• Develop and maintain spare tooling and equipment upgrade tracking
• Conduct annual and new‑hire training to build cross‑functional team capability
• Participate in preventative maintenance on tooling and equipment
• Track OEE, yield, downtime, and purge loss - and actively move those numbers

• Associate's degree or higher in Engineering or related field preferred; equivalent hands‑on experience considered

• 2–5 years of extrusion processing experience required
• Experience with tooling design, die function, changeovers, and downstream equipment
• Experience developing or implementing SOPs and process documentation
• Background in regrind and pelletizing operations a plus

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on troubleshooting ability
• Familiarity with 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 problem‑solving tools
• Basic SPC and quality documentation knowledge
• Understanding of OEE, yield metrics, and production KPIs
• Basic computer proficiency for documentation and reporting

• Extrusion manufacturing background strongly preferred
• Regrind and pelletizing experience a differentiator
• Spanish language ability a plus on the production floor
• Continuous improvement or Kaizen facilitation experience preferred