Extruder Engineer

About Suzano

At Suzano, we believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. This union gave rise to a meaningful attitude: innovability, which guides us in thinking outside the box and looking beyond to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. We plant and grow trees. We transform this renewable raw material into innovative and sustainable bioproducts that are part of the everyday life of over 2 billion people. We cultivate life on the sheet of the notebook that teaches children, in the diaper that protects babies, in the biodegradable cup of coffee that does not harm the environment, in absorbent papers, and in sustainable packaging.

Learn more about us: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Dksqf_Nb4

About the Role

The Extrusion Engineer plays a key role in supporting our Extrusion Department by driving process optimization, product quality improvements, and operational excellence across extrusion coating and converting operations. This position works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Technical teams to improve process performance, reduce waste, and support the production of high-quality packaging products. This is a highly hands-on role that combines shop-floor engagement, troubleshooting, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who enjoys solving technical challenges, learning manufacturing processes, and building strong relationships across departments.

Responsibilities

• Support daily extrusion operations by monitoring process performance, product quality, and key operating parameters.
• Lead and participate in troubleshooting efforts related to coating defects, process variability, equipment performance, and production efficiency.
• Analyze process and quality data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate and execute production trials involving new materials, operating conditions, equipment modifications, and process improvements.
• Work closely with operators and production leaders to optimize extrusion coating performance, resin utilization, and machine efficiency.
• Assist in developing, maintaining, and improving process standards, operating procedures, and best practices.
• Collaborate with Quality and Technical teams to ensure products meet customer specifications and performance requirements.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance efforts by identifying equipment reliability concerns and recommending corrective actions.
• Participate in safety initiatives, risk assessments, and process safety improvements to ensure a safe operating environment.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and presentations to communicate process performance and project results.
• Support sustainability initiatives focused on reducing waste, energy consumption, and raw material losses.
• Maintain effective communication across shifts and departments to ensure alignment on production priorities and improvement activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Paper Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 0-3 years of manufacturing experience preferred; entry-level candidates with strong internship, co-op, or project experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with extrusion, plastics processing, packaging manufacturing, coating operations, or pulp and paper manufacturing is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret process and quality data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis tools, Power BI, Minitab, or other data visualization platforms is an advantage.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Willingness to spend significant time on the production floor and work flexible hours when supporting trials, startups, or troubleshooting efforts.
• High level of initiative, curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning.

Skills

• Analytical Thinker: You turn data into decisions and thrive on solving complex problems.
• Hands-On Engineer: You enjoy being on the floor, observing, questioning, and optimizing.
• Self-Starter: You take initiative and drive results with minimal supervision.
• Team Collaborator: You connect across departments to build solutions and share knowledge.
• Continuous Learner: You’re curious, adaptable, and eager to grow in a manufacturing environment.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options with nationwide networks to support your physical health and preventive care.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Company-paid basic coverage and optional plans to protect you and your loved ones.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term coverage to help protect your income in case of illness or injury.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Automatic enrollment with a generous company match to help you plan for the future.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): Tax-advantaged accounts with company contributions to help manage healthcare expenses.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Options for healthcare, limited-purpose, and dependent care expenses.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax savings for eligible transit and vanpool expenses.
• Voluntary Benefits: Additional protection through accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Wellness Programs: Resources and incentives to support your physical and mental well-being.
• Employee Discount Program: Savings on travel, electronics, and more.

Professionals who share our values Suzano - People and Culture. Learn more here.