Lead Production Engineer

At DuPont, we work on things that matter. Our Joliet, Illinois manufacturing site produces STYROFOAM™ Brand XPS rigid insulation to support energy codes and sustainable communities.

• Drive Safe & Reliable Operations – Provide technical leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production. Respond rapidly to plant issues, equipment upsets, and operational emergencies. Serve as a technical expert during unplanned events and drive corrective and preventive actions. Maintain a strong field presence and reinforce safe operating practices and procedures.
• Optimize Plant Performance – Monitor and improve key operating metrics, KPIs, and production trends. Analyze process data, alarm histories, and operating logs to identify improvement opportunities. Drive initiatives that improve throughput, quality, reliability, yield, and overall asset utilization. Support raw material efficiency efforts and reduce waste generation.
• Lead Continuous Improvement – Challenge the status quo and identify new opportunities to improve safety, productivity, and profitability. Diagnose root causes of operational losses and implement sustainable solutions. Partner with manufacturing, maintenance, and technical teams to improve operating discipline and performance. Apply continuous improvement and financial acumen to maximize plant value and EBITDA generation.
• Collaborate Across the Business – Work closely with Production Coordinators, Supply Chain, and Production Planning teams to optimize production schedules and capabilities. Translate business objectives into effective daily operating plans. Understand customer requirements and ensure high levels of product quality, responsiveness, and reliability.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering preferred)
• 2–5 years of manufacturing, process engineering, or related industrial experience
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Demonstrated ownership, initiative, and leadership potential

• Experience in Process Safety Management (PSM) environments
• Experience with process controls and PLC systems, equipment start‑up and commissioning, data analysis and performance monitoring
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification
• Continuous Improvement or Lean Manufacturing experience

DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.