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Extrusion Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Extrusion Engineer / Process Engineer will be a key member of the engineering team, responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining extrusion processes used to manufacture high-precision ...

The Operator must collaborate effectively with supporting staff (such as engineering, packing, and ... Two or more years of prior experience as a Plastic Extrusion Operator or in a similar role ...

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Extrusion Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$65.3K

$91.8K

$127.1K

How much do extrusion engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for extrusion engineer in Tennessee is $91,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $100,300.00 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 Tennessee?

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

What are popular job titles related to Extrusion Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

For Extrusion Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Extrusion Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,770 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Extrusion Engineer & Production Manager

Sparta, TN • On-site

TACO Metals
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Extrusion Engineer & Production Manager
TACO Metals | Sparta, TN | Plastics Manufacturing
Ready to Take Ownership of the Extrusion Floor - and Grow Into a Key Leadership Role?
TACO Metals is looking for a hands-on Extrusion Engineer & Production Manager to join our Plastics Manufacturing team in Sparta, TN.
This is a high-impact growth opportunity for someone who knows extrusion, enjoys solving problems at the machine level, and is ready to develop into a larger leadership role. You will work closely with our current Plastics Extrusion Engineer and Plastics Production Manager while building the technical, operational, and leadership skills needed to help carry the department into the future.
This is not a desk-only engineering role. We need someone who is comfortable on the floor, understands extrusion processes, can troubleshoot issues in real time, and can earn the trust of operators, maintenance, quality, engineering, and production leadership.
What Makes This Opportunity Different
This role gives the right person the chance to make a visible impact while preparing for long-term advancement. You will be involved in extrusion process improvement, new product launches, tooling and die improvements, production support, operator training, scheduling, continuous improvement, scrap reduction, cost control, and department leadership development.
You will help improve how the department runs today - while preparing to help lead where it goes next.
What You'll Be Doing
As the Extrusion Engineer & Production Manager, you will:
  • Troubleshoot, develop, and optimize plastic extrusion processes to improve quality, efficiency, throughput, and uptime.
  • Evaluate and improve tooling, dies, downstream equipment, line setup, and process parameters.
  • Support new product development, prototype trials, and production launches.
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions related to quality, process performance, and equipment reliability.
  • Support daily production operations across shifts to meet production targets and customer delivery needs.
  • Help reduce scrap, improve line performance, and strengthen manufacturing standards.
  • Train, coach, and support extrusion operators and production team members.
  • Partner with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain to solve problems and drive results.
  • Participate in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, safety, cost-control, and capital planning initiatives.
  • Develop knowledge in production scheduling, workforce management, budgeting, and departmental leadership.
Who Will Be Successful in This Role
The right candidate is someone who is technically strong, practical, hands-on, and motivated to lead.
You may be a great fit if you:
  • Have strong plastic extrusion or polymer processing experience.
  • Understand extrusion lines, tooling, dies, resins, additives, downstream equipment, and process optimization.
  • Enjoy being on the production floor and solving real manufacturing problems.
  • Can communicate clearly with operators, technicians, engineers, supervisors, and managers.
  • Are organized, analytical, and able to follow issues through to resolution.
  • Have a continuous improvement mindset and look for better ways to run the process.
  • Have leadership experience - or the drive and potential to grow into leadership.
  • Want a role where your work directly impacts safety, quality, delivery, cost, and team development.
Preferred Background
  • Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred.
  • Equivalent hands-on extrusion experience will be considered.
  • 3-7 years of experience in plastic extrusion, polymer processing, or related manufacturing.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, ERP systems, production documentation, scheduling, or employee supervision is a plus.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Why Join TACO Metals?
At TACO Metals, our manufacturing teams take pride in building quality products, solving problems, and supporting one another. This role is a great opportunity for someone who wants to do more than maintain the process - we want someone who can help improve it, strengthen the team, and grow with the company.
This is a role for someone who wants to be challenged, trusted, developed, and given the opportunity to make a real difference.
Ready to Build What's Next?
If you are a hands-on extrusion professional who is ready to grow your technical and leadership impact, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of Plastics Manufacturing at TACO Metals.
TACO Metals is an Equal Opportunity Employer