Job Description

Westlake Plastics is a world-leading manufacturer of thermoplastic stock shapes using extrusion and compression molding technologies. As we continue to grow and seek new ways to serve our customers, we are constantly looking for qualified and motivated individuals to join our team. As an employee at Westlake Plastics, you will have access to the tools and training required for your professional growth to enable you to contribute to the success of the company.

The Process Engineer - 1 position is an entry level role reporting to the company's engineering department. This role will have significant visibility within the organization and will contribute directly to various engineering projects, as well as be a part of R&D projects for developing engineering and medical grade plastics and its applications.

As a part of the engineering department, the successful candidate would be instrumental in analyzing process data using statistical tools to derive meaningful insights for process optimization. This career opportunity offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefit package, and the potential for advancement.

Job Description

• Work with manufacturing to help maintain/update database of process and run parameters for all polymers and extruders used in commercial production
• Analysis of the data collected from historical and current runs to help drive improvements targeting operational efficiency
• Collaborate with sales and manufacturing to lead R&D trails, coordinate with labs for physical and other analytical testing of materials, document, analyze and interpret the results
• Work with, or as the project manager, document, track and report on milestones and performance of development projects
• Provide key operational/manufacturing metrics for the quarterly quality management review process and present the results to the management team as needed
• Establish Standard Operating Conditions (SOC's) for new/existing processes and identify process control parameters and control limits for key process variables
• Occasionally prepare presentations to executive management on project status, equipment related matters, and new product development

Required Skills

• Ability to apply engineering principles, techniques, and procedures to tooling design and plastic processing
• Knowledge of polymer extrusion processes and materials, and ability to analyze and implement solutions to processing issues
• Statistics in a manufacturing environment including, but not limited to, interpretation of data, extraction of trends, and establishment of process targets and limits
• Manage projects with cross-departmental teams with thorough documentation, consistent monitoring, precise communication, and detailed reporting
• Ability to work independently on DOEs and analytical projects, troubleshoot production issues in a team-based environment and lead/participate in continuous improvement/5S projects
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents such as SOPs, maintenance instructions, engineering drawings, change management documents, and safety related documentation
• There will likely be some short travel assignments (up to 20%) to the plant in Mayfield, PA or to partner sites as required by the project
• Excellent time management, communication, presentation, and organizational skills required
• Follow and comply with all OSHA and company safety procedures

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Polymer or Material Science, Plastics Engineering, Chemical Engineering or equivalent
• 1-2 years of functional and hands on process engineering experience, preferably within profile/ rod/sheet extrusion (internship/co-op experience will be considered)
• Proficient in MS Office, JMP/Minitab, and good working knowledge of engineering design tools

AAP/EEO Statement

Westlake Plastics Company believes in equal employment opportunity. The Company does not discriminate based on a person's race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, handicap, or veteran status with regard to recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, and promotion.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.