Process Engineer

Company Overview

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging that supports multiple industries including food service, restaurant delivery and carryout, food processing, grocery and retail, and industrial sectors. Novolex manufacturing and sourcing expertise spans a diverse range of substrates including resin, paper, molded fiber, aluminum and more. We provide customers a broad array of stock and customized solutions with 120 product categories, 250 brands and over 39,000 SKUs.

• Support all aspects of the APET Extrusion and Thermoforming Processes in Franklin Park IL plant.
• Primary responsibility will be in the area of Extrusion and Thermoforming.
• Maintains process methods and controls to meet quality standards.
• Provides expert technical consultation in process troubleshooting, quality defects and problem identification/statement. This person will be the plant’s main process engineering expert.
• Develop solutions to problems that adversely affect the APET processes in the Franklin Park IL plant.
• Provide technical advice, counsel and training in one or more areas to solve problems, identify new project opportunities, and guide plant process initiatives. Operators will seek this person out for expert technical training and advice.
• Support a 24/7 APET and other polymers/food packaging plant operation.
• Troubleshoots mechanical, electrical equipment and process issues and provides technical leadership and training to resolve same. Not an electrical expert but able to identify problems and rule out process or mechanical issues if applicable. Or solve for process/mechanical problems.
• Prepare proposals for initiating new projects that impact the process. I.E.
  
  - Able to represent process needs when obtaining quotes from vendors.
• Coordinate and lead new equipment, process, and product trials and production start-up efforts in Franklin Park site.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Plastics, or related field) preferred but not required. Candidates with significant hands‑on plastics manufacturing experience will be strongly considered.
• 3+ years of experience in polymer extrusion, thermoforming, or plastics manufacturing process engineering, preferably within sheet extrusion operations.
• Strong working knowledge of polymer processing fundamentals including temperature control, pressure management, screw performance, melt stability, and sheet quality characteristics.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex manufacturing processes and implementing sustainable process improvements.
• Experience optimizing extrusion or thermoforming processes to improve throughput, reduce scrap, and increase overall process capability.
• Experience supporting process trials, new product introductions, and equipment validation activities.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret process data, production trends, and operational performance metrics.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and quality teams in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience providing technical guidance or training to operators, technicians, or supervisors is strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support a 24/7 manufacturing operation when technical issues arise.

A reasonable estimate of the current range is $105, + bonus + benefits. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. At Novolex, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The benefits for this role include 401(k) plan with company match, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, paid vacation, and sick days, paid parental leave, paid holidays and wellness program. With safety as our top priority and a commitment to employee well‑being an…