Manufacturing Engineer - focus on extrusion projects
Location: St. Pauls, North Carolina
Onsite role

Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced  Manufacturing Engineer with an extrusion background  to join our dynamic engineering team. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in extrusion processes and a solid understanding of manufacturing principles, equipment, and production systems. The Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for optimizing extrusion operations, ensuring product quality, reducing costs, improving efficiencies, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

 Key Responsibilities:

-  Extrusion Process Optimization:  
  Lead efforts to improve and optimize extrusion processes, including troubleshooting, machine setup, and parameter adjustments to achieve optimal product quality and productivity.
 
-  Process Design & Development:  
  Collaborate with design and product development teams to translate product specifications into feasible extrusion processes, ensuring manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.

-  Troubleshooting & Problem Solving:  
  Investigate and resolve extrusion-related production issues (e.g., material flow, die design, cooling issues, etc.) to minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency.

-  Continuous Improvement:  
  Lead or participate in continuous improvement projects using lean manufacturing tools (e.g., 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma) to increase production capacity, reduce scrap, and lower costs.

-  Equipment & Tooling Support:  
  Work with maintenance teams to ensure extrusion equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and upgraded to meet production requirements. Lead the introduction of new equipment or tooling when necessary.

-  Quality Control & Assurance:  
  Implement and monitor quality control procedures to ensure products meet specifications, regulatory standards, and customer requirements. Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality deviations.

-  Process Documentation & Training:  
  Develop and maintain detailed process documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials. Provide training to production personnel on extrusion techniques and best practices.

-  Collaboration & Communication:  
  Work closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, production, quality, and supply chain, to ensure smooth workflow and alignment on production schedules, quality goals, and project timelines.

-  Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance:  
  Ensure that all extrusion operations are conducted in compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards. Promote a culture of safety and continuously assess risk factors in the production environment.

 Required Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Proven experience in a manufacturing environment with a focus on  extrusion  processes (plastics, metals, or other materials).
- In-depth knowledge of extrusion equipment, tooling, and process control techniques.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in process optimization and troubleshooting.
- Experience with process simulation software or other engineering tools for extrusion process design (AutoCAD, Minitab).
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, cross-functional environment.
- Experience with quality management systems (ISO 9001 or similar) and product testing is a plus.

 Preferred Qualifications:

- Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
- Certifications in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or similar process improvement methodologies.
- Experience with automation or robotics in extrusion processes.
- Knowledge of regulatory standards for product manufacturing and safety, such as ISO or environmental guidelines.

 Work Environment:

- Office and manufacturing plant environment.  
- Occasional travel may be required for plant visits, supplier audits, or training sessions.