Industrial Process Engineer​/Manufacturing Engineer

SUMMARY

The Process Engineer will be heavily involved in the daily operations of the facility and is a key member of the plant leadership team. The role leads the manufacturing program for plant output optimization, downtime reduction, scrap reduction, process control, and material usage optimization. Responsibilities include providing problem‑solving consultation, developing engineering procedures, and supporting capital projects.

• Support operations by leading and directing technical activities to solve problems encountered in any part of the facility.
• Develop and maintain process guidelines (SOP/SOC) and training programs for the integration of new products and systems.
• Conduct data analysis of scrap, downtime, line rates, and material usage. Prepare charts and reports to assist the plant team in making data‑driven decisions to improve results.
• Strive to reduce process variation (improve process capability) to ensure consistent product quality and adherence to manufacturing and agency standards.
• Lead cost‑reduction initiatives through materials, product, and process improvements. Facilitate brainstorming sessions and develop action plans for the Westlake Improvement Process (WCI) and Profit Improvement Process (PIP). Activities include reducing utilities consumption, cycle times, scrap, downtime, material usage variance, and direct labor.
• Utilize continuous improvement tools such as Lean Manufacturing/Toyota Production Systems, Six‑Sigma, 5S/6S, Total Productive Maintenance, Kaizen Events, Value Stream Maps, DOEs, FMEAs, and Advanced Problem‑Solving.
• Participate in updating manufacturing standards as performance improvements occur.
• Develop work‑cell layouts to optimize material flow and support 5S and visual management initiatives.
• Initiate new equipment and technologies to maintain the company’s competitive advantage; develop detailed scope documents, RFQs, and execution plans, including facility preparation, installation, HSE, training, and production ramp‑up.

• Participate and lead others in near‑miss, hazard, and incident reporting.
• Participate and/or cooperate with the JHSC to improve safety.
• Perform housekeeping activities as required.
• Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Workplace Safety Insurance Act (WSI Act), and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
• Comply with health and safety rules, policies and procedures of the division.

• Ensure own conduct and that of direct reports is in accordance with Westlake Code of Business Ethics and Workplace Discrimination/Harassment Policy.
• Communicate with employees, plant and supervisory staff as required.
• Provide training and development for direct reports, as required.
• Build participative working relationships with plant and management personnel.
• Comply with company rules, regulations and policies as stated in the Employee Relations Manual and/or Employee Handbook.

• B.S. degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Mechanical, or Materials Science Engineering, plus 3‑10 years of manufacturing work experience.
• Experience in a high‑volume, continuous manufacturing environment.
• Experience in HSE regulatory compliance/engineering required.
• Experience in PVC processing and extrusion highly desired.
• Fundamental understanding of OT networks, industrial controls and automation highly desired.
• Process engineering, manufacturing engineering and continuous improvement skills and expertise.
• Results‑oriented problem solver with an analytical approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Hands‑on individual with the ability to drive results through others.
• Six Sigma green/black belt and knowledge of DOE preferred.
• Knowledge of mistake‑proofing sensor technology and PLC programming is desirable.
• Must be able to work Mon‑Fri, 6:30 am – 4 pm (45‑50 hours per week).
• Must be able to commute daily to the Leola, PA plant. Fully onsite role.
• Must be able to travel for 1‑4 weeks per year, likely 3‑4 weeks in the first couple of years.

The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to touch, handle, or feel,…