Process Improvement Engineer - Manufacturing

Job Description: Who We Need We are seeking a highly skilled Process Engineer to join our Process Improvement & Development team and help establish Penn Color as the global benchmark in our industry. Reporting to the site's plant manager, this role is critical in driving real-time problem-solving improvement initiatives in our manufacturing processes, including forward looking initiatives that enhance Quality, Efficiency, , and Operational Excellence.. Why This Role Matters While our culture remains one of our greatest strengths, we recognize that process improvement must become a central focus for us to reach our full potential. Our PID team plays a crucial, reactive role, identifying immediate inefficiencies and implementing solutions as challenges arise on the production floor. To achieve operational excellence, we need to balance both immediate problem-solving and future-focused continuous improvement. Role Overview The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing polymer conversion manufacturing processes, primarily by Twin-Screw Compounding, across all Penn Color sites. This role drives process standardization, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement (CI) initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, , and scalability globally. Key Responsibilities Process Support & Optimization • Develop, design, and standardize manufacturing processes for global use. • Lead process design reviews to improve manufacturability and ensure repeatable scale-ups across sites. • Recommend and implement optimal twin-screw configurations, feeding capabilities, tooling, and metallurgy selections for varying polymer conversion equipment types . • Oversee key product scale-ups, first plant runs, and technical validations at multiple sites to ensure consistent commercialization of new formulations. • Analyze KPI trends (throughput, scrap, downtime, OEE) across plants to identify systemic improvements. • Lead troubleshooting efforts on complex processing issues and guide site teams on best practices. Equipment Alignment • Define global standards for equipment setup and metallurgy selection. • Evaluate wear patterns across sites, recommend upgrades, and support capital planning for extended equipment life. • Collaborate with Engineering and Maintenance on global spare-parts strategies, retrofits, and capital projects. Capacity & Line Performance Analysis • Conduct advanced data analysis to identify rate-limiting steps across all sites.. • Recommend and implement changes to equipment configurations, material handling systems, or operating practices to improve line efficiency and capabilities Preventive Maintenance & Readiness • Support global PM schedules and strategies with production demand and equipment lifecycles. • Support root cause investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented, shared, sustained, and standardized globally. Continuous Improvement Leadership • Lead multi-site CI projects using Lean Six Sigma, SPC, TPM, value stream mapping, and FMEA. • Facilitate workshops and train local teams to sustain improvements. • Develop and maintain SOPs, CI playbooks, and best-practice libraries. • Mentor Process Support Technicians and foster a culture of operational excellence. Documentation & Compliance • Maintain global process records, update ERP/MES systems, and ensure consistency and accuracy in manufacturing documentation. • Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and operational protocols across all facilities. Success in This Role • Standardized, efficient global processes with measurable cost savings. • Faster, repeatable product launches with minimal rework or downtime. • Demonstrated improvement in quality, throughput, OEE, equipment capabilities, and cross-site collaboration. Who You Are Skills & Mindset: • Master communicator who can engage stakeholders from the plant floor to executive leadership. • Strategic thinker with strong project management and change management skills. • Natural leader who inspires collaboration and innovation. • Proactive problem solver with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence. • Data-driven decision-maker who thrives in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. • Deep understanding of twin-screw extrusion processes specific to masterbatch and compound manufacturing. • Strong technical knowledge of screw elements, L/D ratios, metallurgy, auxiliary process equipment (pelletizers, conveying systems, LIW feeders, etc.) and overall equipment capabilities. • Hands-on problem solver with mechanical aptitude and a data-driven mindset. • Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work across production, R&D, engineering, maintenance, and CI teams. • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, production-driven environment with minimal supervision. Preferred Qualifications: • Associate degree in polymer engineering, industrial engineering, process technology or equivalent technical field experience in a manufacturing environment • 5+ years of experience in masterbatch or compound extrusion. • Hands-on experience with extrusion processes (premix processes, single and twin screw, pelletization, material conveying). • Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, OEE principles, and extrusion optimization tools. • Experience with ERP and MES systems; ability to analyze production data and trends. • Strong background in statistical process control (SPC), value stream mapping, total productive maintenance (TPM), and failure mode & effects analysis (FMEA). • Expertise in quality management systems, operations, and process optimization. • Preferred: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred, with practical knowledge of cost savings and KPI tracking. What WE can do for YOU Penn Color offers many tangible and intangible benefits: Tangible benefits include: • Highly competitive compensation • A choice between 3 outstanding medical plans • 401K with a strong company match • PTO to balance your life • Additional company perks • And More! Our intangible benefits really set us apart: • Unmatched company stability • Long-term career opportunity • True open door, friendly environment • Ability to "own" your role • Company events that bring us all together If you desire a long-term career, want to work alongside an exceptional group of people, and wish to use your talents to shape a world-class company, then we are your employer of choice! Penn Color, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regards to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or any other protected categories. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given an equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Created: 2026-03-04