Process Engineer (REQ869)

Join the Manitowoc - Spartech Team in Manitowoc, WI, where we support automotive customers with flexible sound barrier and non-carpet flooring sheet products. Our sound barrier materials are also used in building, construction, and energy markets for sound control applications. Additionally, we produce black color concentrate pellets for customer processes. We offer a fast-paced environment with a focus on safety, success, and growth opportunities.

About the Role

As a Process Engineer, you will drive process improvement, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting through data collection and analysis to enhance material and labor utilization, output rates, setup times, and product quality. You will develop SOPs for production processes and coordinate both long- and short-term projects to achieve facility goals.

Responsibilities

• Ownership of plant's primary processes (e.g., plastics processing, sheet extrusion, rollstock production).
• Problem-solving, planning, designing, and executing empirical Design of Experiments (DOE) to ensure repeatability.
• Optimize process performance using Operational Excellence and LEAN tools and techniques.
• Define and achieve goals related to yield improvement, labor optimization, conversion cost reduction, and product quality.
• Evaluate and recommend material and formulation improvements, including cycle optimizations, in collaboration with process operators and R&D Lab personnel.
• Plan and execute trials to reduce waste and variation.
• Contribute to the customer complaint process via root cause analysis, documentation, trials, and effectiveness confirmation.
• Engage with customers and commercial representatives to enhance customer satisfaction.
• Train operational, process, and quality staff on key engineering topics as needed.
• Lead projects using standard project management tools and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all ISO/IMS and Operational Excellence policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• BS Degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Significant practical experience with thermoforming equipment may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum five years of operations or engineering experience, with 3 years preferred in the plastics-related industry.
• Operational Excellence training and/or certifications (Lean, Six Sigma, ISO) strongly preferred.

Skills

• Outstanding leadership characteristics and a drive for data-driven results.
• Analytical and mathematical skills for collecting, interpreting, and acting on process trials and activities.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as EHS standards, operating manuals, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write operational and project reports, correspondence, and policies and procedures.
• Effective communication skills for all levels of the organization, including training and project presentations.
• Knowledge of budget administration and financial reporting preferred.
• Ability to meet physical demands associated with the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook). SAP ERP experience preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and incentive programs.
• Most benefits start on day one, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life and long-term/short-term disability insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) with a strong matching program.
• 120 hours of Paid Time Off (pro-rated based on hire date).
• 11 paid holidays.