Industrial Process Engineer​/Manufacturing Engineer

Summary

The Westlake Process Engineer will be heavily involved in the daily operations of the facility and is a key member of the plant leadership team. Lead the manufacturing program for plant output optimization, down‑time reduction, scrap reduction, process control, and material usage optimization. Provide problem solving consultation, develop engineering procedures, and support capital projects.

Support operations by leading and directing technical activities necessary to solve problems encountered in any part of the facility.

• Develop & 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.
• Continuously 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); examples include activities to reduce utilities consumption, cycle times, scrap, downtime, material usage variance, and direct labor.
• Utilize a variety of 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 a result of performance improvements.
• 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; prepare RFQ documents, scope definitions, and execution timelines.

Participate and lead others in near‑miss, hazard, and incident reporting. Cooperate with the JHSC to improve safety. Perform housekeeping activities as required and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), Workplace Safety Insurance Act (WSI Act), and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Adhere to all 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 the Workplace Discrimination/Harassment Policy. Communicate with employees, plant and supervisory staff as required; provide training and development for direct reports; build participative working relationships with plant and management personnel. Comply with company rules, regulations, and policies as stated in the Employee Relations Manual or Handbook.

• B.S. degree (or equivalent) in Electrical, Mechanical, or Material Science Engineering.
• 3‑10 years of manufacturing experience in a high‑volume, continuous 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/CI skills and expertise.
• Six Sigma green/black belt and DOE knowledge preferred.
• Knowledge of mistake‑proofing sensor technology and PLC programming desirable.
• Must be able to work Mon‑Fri, 6:30am – 4:00pm (45‑50hours/week) and commute 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.

Frequent sitting, standing, walking; occasional stooping, kneeling, or crouching. Ability to lift/move up to 10lbs regularly, 25lbs frequently, and 50lbs occasionally. Requires close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

This is a hands‑on position; the noise level is usually moderate, with time spent in an office and operating units. PPE such as safety glasses and hearing protection may be required. Exposure to outside elements, hot and cold temperatures, stairs, and elevators is possible. Travel may include air or auto travel.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.