Process Engineer in Manitowoc
Job Description
Process Engineer
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Location: Manitowoc, WI
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A leading plastics manufacturer is seeking a Process Engineer to join its growing team in the Manitowoc, WI area. This position will play a key role in improving manufacturing processes, reducing waste and variation, and supporting high-quality production for a diverse customer base.
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The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience in plastics manufacturing and thermoforming, along with strong problem-solving, data analysis, and continuous improvement skills.
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⚙️ Key Responsibilities
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- Take ownership of key plant processes, including plastics processing, sheet extrusion, rollstock production, and related operations
- Drive process improvement, root cause analysis, and troubleshooting through data collection and analysis
- Plan and execute Design of Experiments (DOE) and production trials to improve process repeatability and reduce variation
- Optimize material and labor utilization, production output, setup times, conversion costs, and product quality
- Identify and implement opportunities to reduce waste and improve process efficiency using LEAN and Operational Excellence tools
- Evaluate materials, formulations, and process conditions and recommend improvements
- Work closely with production operators and R&D personnel to plan and execute process trials
- Support customer complaint investigations through root cause analysis, corrective actions, trials, and effectiveness verification
- Develop and improve SOPs and production processes
- Lead short- and long-term engineering projects from identification through execution
- Train production, process, and quality personnel on relevant engineering and process topics
- Partner with manufacturing, quality, R&D, and commercial teams to support customer satisfaction
- Ensure projects and processes comply with applicable ISO/IMS, EHS, and Operational Excellence requirements
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Job Requirements
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- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- 4 years of relevant experience with thermoforming equipment may be considered in lieu of a degree
- 5+ years of operations or engineering experience required, preferably within plastics manufacturing
- 2+ years of hands-on experience with thermoforming equipment required
- Strong experience with process improvement, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and data-driven problem solving
- Ability to read and interpret EHS standards, operating manuals, maintenance instructions, procedures, and applicable regulations
- Manufacturing leadership experience
- LEAN, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, or ISO training/certification
- Experience with budgets and financial reporting is a plus
- SAP or other ERP experience
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook
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Ready to make an impact in plastics manufacturing and drive meaningful process improvements? Apply today.
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