Engineering Lead-Supervisor

Andersen Corporation•Bayport, MN

About The Position

Want to be a part of the team that is taking thermoplastics and composites to the next level? Andersen is seeking an experienced engineer to join our exciting and rewarding thermoplastic composites and process development R&D team—as an Engineering Lead Supervisor responsible for guiding a small team of engineers. You will be a core contributor in developing and evaluating new and existing thermoplastic materials and process technologies for Andersen’s extensive product portfolio. In this role, you will lead research and development efforts focused on advancing our thermoplastic blending, compounding, and extrusion processes. As a supervisor, you will provide day-to-day technical leadership and strategic direction for a small engineering team. This includes identifying and scoping new projects in collaboration with operations, prioritizing work based on business value, coordinating stakeholder communication, and facilitating team-level OKR (Objectives and Key Results) planning. Projects—whether individually owned or team-based—may involve enhancing existing manufacturing processes, improving quality, reducing cost or waste, driving process stability, or investigating, developing, and commercializing new thermoplastic processing technologies. A major component of this position is applying and coaching the scientific method to build confidence in viable technical solutions. Additionally, you will serve as the primary technical voice for the thermoplastic process development function, representing the team to business, operations, and product partners.

Requirements

B.S. in Materials Science, Mechanical, Chemical, or related engineering field, with 8–10+ years of experience in product, process, or technology development.
Demonstrated people‑leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management of technical contributors.
Proven cross‑functional project or program leadership, with the ability to set direction, manage priorities, and drive execution in a matrixed environment.
Strong analytical and data‑driven problem-solving skills, applying scientific methods, experimentation, and structured decision-making.
Ability to lead teams through ambiguity, shifting priorities, and early‑stage innovation activities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and influence decision-making.
Ability to build strong relationships with cross-functional partners, customers, and suppliers, fostering collaboration and alignment.
Demonstrated accountability and technical curiosity, with a hands-on approach and commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Experience in thermoplastic processes such as blending, compounding, and extrusion
Prior supervisory experience preferred
Experience in FEA simulation boundary condition development, interpretation of results, and calibration
Proficiency in statistical analysis (such as design of experiments) along with statistical software
Mechanical aptitude and a willingness to be hands on

Responsibilities

Lead a team of process development engineers within the Thermoplastics and Extrusion Development (TED) group, with emphasis on thermoplastic blending, compounding, and extrusion technologies.
Set technical direction and strategy for process development, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and innovation goals.
Build and sustain strong cross-functional relationships with operations, product teams, and key suppliers to support development, scale-up, and commercialization activities.
Identify, scope, and prioritize new process and innovation opportunities in collaboration with operations and business partners.
Lead projects through the full stage‑gate lifecycle, driving execution, removing obstacles, and accelerating progress even in highly ambiguous environments.
Develop clear proposals and gain leadership alignment on process development and innovation initiatives.
Apply rigorous, science-based problem-solving methodologies (e.g., DOE, process mapping, capability analysis, FMEA, MSA) to address complex technical challenges and deliver actionable solutions.
Create and execute test plans, analyze data, and document learning through high‑quality technical reports to build organizational knowledge.
Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to thermoplastics and extrusion, assessing their applicability to Andersen products and processes.
Communicate effectively at all levels—technical teams, leadership, suppliers, and cross-functional partners—through clear, concise written and verbal communication.
Travel up to 20% to support development activities, trials, supplier engagements, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Benefits

401 (k) Plan, Employer Fixed Contributions & Company Matching
Profit Sharing
Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Savings Account (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
Paid Maternity Leave & Paid Parental Leave
Career Growth Planning & Nationwide Career Opportunities
PROFIT SHARING: In 2025 Andersen has set a profit-sharing target of $3,500 per eligible employee, prorated as appropriate
Profit Sharing will be paid out in quarterly installments to provide eligible employees with payments throughout the year, with payment amounts tied to quarterly operating profit performance.