Company: SeaCa Plastic Packaging, LLC
Salary: $87,500–$100,000 annually, depending on experience
Department: Operations / Manufacturing Engineering
Reports To: Production Manager
Role Description:
The Polypropylene Extrusion Process Engineer is a full-time, on-site role located in the Surprise, AZ. This position will focus on optimizing the production of hollow form polypropylene (PP) sheets and carton products. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on extrusion experience, strong troubleshooting abilities, and a passion for improving manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and equipment performance.
Process Engineering & Production Optimization:
Monitor and optimize polypropylene extrusion processes to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency.
Troubleshoot extrusion equipment and resolve production-related issues.
Develop and improve processing parameters, including temperature profiles, screw speeds, melt pressures, line speeds, and cooling conditions.
Analyze production data to identify opportunities to increase throughput, reduce scrap, and minimize downtime.
Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to address recurring manufacturing issues.
Lead continuous improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
Quality & Product Development:
Ensure products meet specifications for thickness, weight, flute geometry, stiffness, and dimensional stability.
Partner with Quality Assurance to address quality concerns and customer complaints.
Evaluate raw materials, additives, resin formulations, and recycled content.
Support new product development, process validation, customer trials, and production scale-up.
Qualifications:
Strong foundation in Chemical Engineering and Process Engineering, with experience in polymer or plastics processing, preferably polypropylene extrusion.
Proficiency in Process Design, including the development and optimization of extrusion lines, equipment layouts, and process flows.
Experience with Process Control, including setting and maintaining operating parameters, implementing control strategies, and working with instrumentation and automation systems.
Advanced Analytical Skills to interpret process data, perform root-cause analysis, and drive data-based improvements in quality, throughput, and efficiency.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications in plastics or extrusion engineering are a plus.
Knowledge of safety, environmental, and food-contact packaging regulations and standards; experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred.
Ability to work collaboratively on-site with cross-functional teams, communicate technical information clearly, and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced setting.
Commitment to sustainability, continuous improvement, and maintaining a safe work environment.
