Process Engineer

Novolex•Franklin Park, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Novolex is a leading manufacturer of food, beverage, and specialty packaging. This role will support all aspects of the APET Extrusion and Thermoforming Processes in the Franklin Park IL plant. The primary responsibility will be in the area of Extrusion and Thermoforming. The Process Engineer will maintain process methods and controls to meet quality standards, provide expert technical consultation in process troubleshooting, quality defects, and problem identification/statement, and develop solutions to problems that adversely affect the APET processes. This person will be the plant’s main process engineering expert and will provide technical advice, counsel, and training to solve problems, identify new project opportunities, and guide plant process initiatives. Operators will seek this person out for expert technical training and advice. The role supports a 24/7 APET and other polymers/food packaging plant operation, troubleshooting mechanical, electrical equipment, and process issues, and providing technical leadership and training to resolve them. The engineer will prepare proposals for initiating new projects that impact the process and represent process needs when obtaining quotes from vendors. They will also coordinate and lead new equipment, process, and product trials and production start-up efforts in the Franklin Park site.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in polymer extrusion, thermoforming, or plastics manufacturing process engineering, preferably within sheet extrusion operations.
Strong working knowledge of polymer processing fundamentals including temperature control, pressure management, screw performance, melt stability, and sheet quality characteristics.
Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex manufacturing processes and implementing sustainable process improvements.
Experience optimizing extrusion or thermoforming processes to improve throughput, reduce scrap, and increase overall process capability.
Experience supporting process trials, new product introductions, and equipment validation activities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret process data, production trends, and operational performance metrics.
Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and quality teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and support a 24/7 manufacturing operation when technical issues arise.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Plastics, or related field) preferred but not required. Candidates with significant hands-on plastics manufacturing experience will be strongly considered.
Experience providing technical guidance or training to operators, technicians, or supervisors is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Support all aspects of the APET Extrusion and Thermoforming Processes in Franklin Park IL plant.
Maintain process methods and controls to meet quality standards.
Provide expert technical consultation in process troubleshooting, quality defects and problem identification/statement.
Develop solutions to problems that adversely affect the APET processes in the Franklin Park IL plant.
Provide technical advice, counsel and training in one or more areas to solve problems, identify new project opportunities, and guide plant process initiatives.
Support a 24/7 APET and other polymers/food packaging plant operation.
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical equipment and process issues and provide technical leadership and training to resolve same.
Prepare proposals for initiating new projects that impact the process.
Coordinate and lead new equipment, process, and product trials and production start-up efforts in Franklin Park site.