Process Engineer

TPE Solutions, Inc.•Ayer, MA

About The Position

XPM Plastics Compounding LLC, a compounding facility focused on highly engineered industrial and medical applications, boasting a very wide range of first-class TSE capabilities, is seeking a highly technical and motivated Process Engineer to support formulation development, twin screw extrusion operations, color matching, and laboratory testing activities. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex processing challenges in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. XPM is a subsidiary of TPE Solutions, a world-renowned thermoplastic elastomer supplier and formulator since 2004 (www.tpesinc.com). TPE Solutions, Inc. is a specialty thermoplastic compounder focused on developing highly engineered material solutions for demanding applications. TPE Solutions partners closely with customers to solve complex processing, performance, and color challenges through technical innovation, responsive development, and hands-on manufacturing expertise. The Process Engineer will lead and support development, optimization, and scale-up of thermoplastic compounds using twin screw extrusion technology. This position requires a strong understanding of polymer processing, color science, material testing, troubleshooting, and manufacturing process improvement. The ideal candidate is analytical, hands-on, detail-oriented, and comfortable working both in the lab and on the production floor.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, or related field
3+ years of experience in plastics compounding or polymer processing preferred
Strong experience with twin screw extrusion required
Experience with thermoplastic elastomers, engineered thermoplastics, or specialty compounds preferred
Color matching and color science experience strongly preferred
Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment and analytical methods
Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills
Ability to manage multiple technical projects simultaneously
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Hands-on manufacturing mindset with strong attention to detail

Nice To Haves

Twin screw extrusion process development
Thermoplastic compounding
Color concentrate development
Spectrophotometer and color analysis software
DOE/process optimization methodologies
Additives and filler technologies
FDA, UL, automotive, or medical material requirements
Statistical analysis and SPC methodologies

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize thermoplastic formulations and processing conditions
Operate and troubleshoot twin screw extrusion systems
Support scale-up from laboratory to commercial production
Perform highly technical color matching for customer-specific applications
Analyze processing data and recommend improvements for quality and efficiency
Conduct laboratory testing including: Physical and mechanical testing, Melt flow analysis, Density and hardness testing, Color and spectrophotometer analysis, Moisture analysis, Thermal testing and evaluation
Investigate product quality issues and implement corrective actions
Collaborate with production, quality, sales, and customers on technical projects
Maintain detailed formulation, processing, and testing documentation
Assist with raw material evaluations and additive selection
Support continuous improvement initiatives and process validation activities