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Extrusion Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Extrusion Technician

Cicero, IL · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

GENERAL DESCRIPTION We are looking for an experienced Extrusion technician in the production of ... Confer with management, engineering, and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities ...

Extrusion Scientist - Decatur, IL Position Summary Extrusion Scientist II role is an independent ... engineering expertise to deliver scalable, high-quality solutions. Key Responsibilities

Extrusion Scientist - Decatur, ILPosition SummaryExtrusion Scientist II role is an independent ... process engineering expertise to deliver scalable, high-quality solutions.Key ...

Molding Extrusion Technician II

Lakewood, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $25.25/hr

Molding Extrusion Technician II 2nd Shift Monday - Friday, 2:00 PM to 10:30 PM JOB SUMMARY Works ... Works with engineers and others during the building and installation of new equipment to ensure ...

Molding Extrusion Technician II

Lakewood, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $25.25/hr

Molding Extrusion Technician II 3rd Shift Monday - Friday, 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM JOB SUMMARY Works ... Works with engineers and others during the building and installation of new equipment to ensure ...

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Showing results 1-20

Extrusion Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$69.8K

$98K

$135.7K

How much do extrusion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for extrusion engineer in Illinois is $97,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an extrusion engineer?

Extrusion Engineers are professionals who design, operate, and optimize the extrusion process used to create products by pushing material through a shaped die. They typically work with materials such as plastics, metals, or food products, ensuring the quality and efficiency of production. Their responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment, developing new extrusion techniques, and maintaining safety and quality standards. Extrusion Engineers play a key role in industries like manufacturing, automotive, packaging, and construction.

What does an extrusion engineer do?

An extrusion engineer develops and evaluates the extrusion process for a manufacturing company. Your duties in this career are to support the production and engineering needs through the set-up and operation of the extrusion equipment and processes. Other responsibilities may be to design, set up, and troubleshoot new equipment and procedures for development. You are expected to document the details of the processes and experiments you perform. Other duties include analyzing research and development, communicating issues, implementing resolutions, participating in meetings, and training new staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an extrusion engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Extrusion Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, with expertise in polymer processing and extrusion technologies. Familiarity with CAD software, process simulation tools, and quality management systems, along with relevant certifications like Six Sigma, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient production, maintaining product quality, and driving continuous process improvements.

What are some common challenges faced by extrusion engineers in maintaining product quality, and how are these typically addressed?

Extrusion Engineers often encounter challenges like maintaining tight tolerances, managing material inconsistencies, and minimizing defects such as die lines or melt fractures. To address these, they regularly monitor process parameters, collaborate closely with quality assurance teams, and use advanced control systems to adjust conditions in real time. Root cause analysis and continuous improvement practices are essential parts of the role, ensuring products meet industry standards and customer specifications.

What is the difference between Extrusion Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectExtrusion EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Materials, or Industrial EngineeringBachelor's in Engineering, Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, extrusion linesManufacturing, production facilities, or process development labs
Industry UsagePlastic, metal, rubber extrusion industriesVarious manufacturing sectors including plastics, metals, chemicals
Common Search IntentDesigning and optimizing extrusion processesImproving overall manufacturing processes

Extrusion Engineers focus specifically on designing and optimizing extrusion processes for materials like plastics and metals, working closely with extrusion machinery. Process Engineers have a broader role, improving and managing manufacturing processes across various production methods. Both roles require similar technical backgrounds but differ in scope and specialization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Extrusion Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Extrusion Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Extrusion Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Extrusion Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Extrusion Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Extrusion Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Extrusion Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,979 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Extrusion Process Engineer

MRINetwork Jobs

Naperville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

About the Opportunity

MRT is supporting a well-established and rapidly growing plastics manufacturer near Naperville, Illinois. The company is seeking a dedicated Extrusion Process Engineer. This is a ground-floor opportunity to support and build a process engineering function from scratch. What’s needed now is the right engineer to come in, assess the operation, identify opportunities, and help drive the business to the next level.

This role offers high visibility, genuine autonomy, and a direct line to leadership. The right candidate will not be inheriting a finished function - they will be building one.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

  • Support and maintain all extrusion processes, associates, and equipment across a 24-hour operation
  • Perform changeovers, color changes, tooling setups, downstream startups, and processing adjustments
  • Monitor and adjust SOCs and process controls; document changes and communicate to supervisors and quality teams
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all processes from the ground up
  • Lead problem-solving workshops and Kaizen events using 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 methodologies
  • Conduct first article and in-process checks to validate and sustain quality controls
  • Develop audit systems to identify and address process and tooling variances
  • Monitor daily regrind percentages and develop actions to reduce generation and material loss
  • Participate in and coordinate preventive maintenance on tooling and equipment
  • Develop and maintain spare tooling and equipment upgrade matrices
  • Lead annual and new-hire training to build cross-functional team capabilities
  • Perform process qualification procedures (PQP) and develop new process standards
  • Maintain all tooling, run, and SOC records for lines, molds, and SKUs
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues to resolution and share knowledge across the team

    What We’re Looking For

  • 3–5 years of extrusion processing experience
  • Hands-on, floor-level approach - this role requires presence on the production floor across all shifts as needed
  • Working knowledge of molds and tooling design and function
  • Familiarity with 5 Why, Fishbone, and A3 problem-solving tools
  • Basic SPC and quality documentation knowledge
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment independently
  • Basic computer skills and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a manufacturing environment

    Preferred:

  • Associate’s degree or higher in Engineering or related field; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered
  • Sheet extrusion experience
  • Regrind and/or pelletizing experience
  • Spanish language skills (a plus, not required)
  • Experience developing SOPs in an environment where they didn’t previously exist

    Why This Role Stands Out

  • Your impact will be immediate and visible
  • PE-backed company with significant resources, growth trajectory, and continued investment
  • Collaborative, down-to-earth leadership team - high trust
  • Real career runway as the company scales and formalizes its operations
  • Monday through Friday schedule with standard business hours
  • Bonus eligible at 5%