Sr Plastics Manufacturing Process Engineer

James Hardie

8d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Plastics Manufacturing Process Engineer to play a hands-on role in improving plant performance, equipment efficiency, and product quality in a high‑volume plastics manufacturing environment. This position works directly on the factory floor, partnering with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to drive measurable improvements in safety, uptime, yield, and cost. This is a player‑coach role ideal for an experienced manufacturing engineer who enjoys solving real-world problems, leading improvement projects, and seeing ideas executed on the production line. Based in Aliquippa, PA and reports directly to the senior engineering manager.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing, Plastics, Electrical, or similar)
5-7+ years of manufacturing plant experience.
Strong background in manufacturing systems, data collection and statistical analysis.
Demonstrated success in interfacing with internal (manufacturing, engineering, quality) and external (contractors, vendors) customers.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma experience desirable.
Knowledge of plastics processing, or extrusion, injection or blow molding, and continuous experience (preferred)

Responsibilities

Improve performance of extrusion lines and downstream equipment (including gravimetric feeders and auxiliaries) to increase uptime, run rates, and yield while reducing scrap
Troubleshoot mechanical, process, and basic controls issues in real time on the production floor
Design, specify, and improve process tooling and auxiliary equipment to enhance functionality and reliability
Support and manage line commissioning activities following preventive maintenance events
Drive improvements in OEE, Yield, Availability, and Run Rates across production lines
Analyze manufacturing data using statistical and root‑cause methodologies to identify and sustain improvements
Lead and support Lean / Six Sigma projects using tools such as DMAIC, SPC, FMEA, and Kaizen
Establish and report performance metrics, including yield and SUR results, before and after improvements
Lead engineering improvement projects on model lines from concept through implementation
Develop and execute project plans aligned to SQDC and product stability objectives
Identify, quantify, and justify cost reduction and efficiency improvement opportunities
Research new equipment, technologies, and processing methods; work directly with vendors and contractors
Work closely with Operators, Leads, Maintenance, Quality, and Leadership to identify and implement improvements
Train operators on new equipment, processes, and best practices
Uphold and promote a Zero Harm safety culture
Participate in plant performance, engineering, and project meetings