Manufacturing Process Optimization Engineer (Plastics Extrusion)

Novolex Corporate•Yakima, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This role focuses on improving the reliability and performance of manufacturing systems, with a specific emphasis on Extrusion and Converting processes. The engineer will work to optimize OEE drivers such as reducing equipment downtime and scrap, elevating throughput and first-pass quality, and shortening changeovers. Responsibilities include developing and implementing preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, standardizing processes through documentation like process flows, PFMEAs, and SOPs, and implementing error-proofing methods. The role also involves managing engineering changes, supporting incident investigations and root-cause analysis, leading continuous improvement projects, and enabling the team through guidance to the maintenance team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
5–10+ years in a manufacturing environment.
5+ years of blown film extrusion experience.
Robust mechanical, electrical, and process acumen.
Demonstrated Lean leadership and facilitation.
Analytical, data-driven problem solver with command of structured tools (e.g., 5-Why, fishbone, PFMEA, SPC).
Clear communicator who sees the big picture, collaborates across functions, and navigates ambiguity and change.
Advanced proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Access, etc.) and related software tools.
Industry exposure: Food and Beverage Manufacturing.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screen.

Responsibilities

Improve reliability and performance of manufacturing systems with a focus on Extrusion and Converting.
Optimize OEE drivers: reduce equipment downtime and scrap, elevate throughput and first-pass quality, and shorten changeovers.
Implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies in partnership with Maintenance, leveraging data to prioritize work.
Standardize processes by building and maintaining process flows, PFMEAs, SOPs, and line capability/performance documentation.
Implement error-proofing (poka-yoke) methods that reduce escapes and simplify operator checks.
Manage engineering changes, including scope, cost, estimation, documentation, and implementation guidance.
Initiate actions that prevent product, process, and system nonconformances to ensure quality protection.
Provide technical inputs for incident investigation, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
Lead continuous improvement projects from concept through implementation, including long-term improvement plans.
Provide guidance to the maintenance team on assigned tasks and projects.
Champion safety by keeping the area clean and safe, practicing 5S daily, and communicating proactively with Operations and Maintenance.
Champion food and consumer safety by attending GMP and food-safety training and escalating concerns with urgency.
Partner across plant staff to identify, develop, and deliver innovations that increase process capability and production volume while upholding safety and quality standards.
Carry out company policies, procedures, and practices; perform additional responsibilities as assigned to meet organizational goals.