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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 ...

Industrial Engineer

Erwin, TN · On-site

$61K - $83K/yr

Provide technical leadership for plastic extrusion manufacturing processes, equipment performance ... Bachelor's degree in engineering (industrial, mechanical, electrical) with a minimum of 5 years ...

Industrial Engineer

Erwin, TN · On-site

$61K - $83K/yr

Provide technical leadership for plastic extrusion manufacturing processes, equipment performance ... Bachelor's degree in engineering (industrial, mechanical, electrical) with a minimum of 5 years ...

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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 Sep 2, 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 85% Full Time, and 15% Nights. 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

Patrick Industries

Sparta, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Patrick Industries rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Patrick Industries, a publicly traded company headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, invites you to join a team of dedicated Team Members who are passionate about delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service. As a leading solutions provider serving a diverse range of markets across the United States, our commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability has positioned us as a high growth, diversified and empowered Team of more than 10,000! Your adventure awaits!
TACO Metals, empowered by Patrick Industries, is seeking an Extrusion Engineer & Production Manager. The Extrusion Engineer & Production Manager is responsible for supporting the technical, operational, and leadership functions of TACO Metals' Plastics Manufacturing Department. This role combines hands-on extrusion engineering expertise with manufacturing operations leadership to ensure efficient production, high product quality, continuous improvement, and workforce development. Working closely with department leadership, the position supports extrusion process optimization, new product launches, production management, employee development, capital planning, and operational excellence while preparing for increased leadership responsibilities within the organization.
Responsibilities & Duties:
Extrusion Engineering & Process Optimization
  • Develop, implement, optimize, and troubleshoot plastic extrusion processes to improve efficiency, quality, and throughput
  • Design, evaluate, and improve extrusion tooling, dies, and downstream equipment
  • Establish and maintain process parameters, operational standards, and manufacturing documentation
  • Evaluate raw materials, resins, and additives for performance, compatibility, and manufacturability
  • Support new product development activities, prototype trials, and production launches
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts related to quality, process performance, and equipment reliability

Production Management & Manufacturing Operations
  • Support daily manufacturing operations across all shifts to meet customer requirements and production targets
  • Assist with production scheduling and monitor manufacturing performance metrics
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve uptime, throughput, efficiency, and scrap reduction
  • Maintain manufacturing standards including BOMs, work instructions, operating procedures, and process documentation
  • Coordinate activities between Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Production, and Supply Chain teams
  • Ensure operational objectives are achieved while maintaining safety and quality expectations

Leadership & Workforce Development
  • Provide technical training, coaching, and mentorship to extrusion operators and production employees
  • Support employee development, succession planning, and knowledge transfer initiatives
  • Assist with workforce management activities and daily production team support
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork
  • Develop leadership capabilities to support future departmental management responsibilities
  • Promote employee engagement and effective communication throughout the manufacturing operation

Equipment Reliability & Maintenance Support
  • Partner with Maintenance to support preventive maintenance programs for extrusion equipment and related systems
  • Assist in troubleshooting equipment issues and developing corrective actions
  • Evaluate equipment performance and recommend improvements to increase reliability and productivity
  • Support equipment upgrades, installations, and operational readiness activities
  • Participate in capital planning and equipment replacement initiatives
  • Ensure manufacturing equipment operates safely and efficiently

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
  • Identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity, quality, cost performance, and operational efficiency
  • Lead and participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Evaluate emerging extrusion technologies, materials, and manufacturing methods
  • Support waste reduction, process improvement, and cost-control programs
  • Monitor production metrics and recommend actions to improve business performance
  • Promote best practices throughout manufacturing operations

Safety, Quality & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with company safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements
  • Support quality management initiatives and corrective action activities
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized manufacturing environment
  • Promote safe work practices and employee compliance with established procedures
  • Participate in audits, inspections, and compliance-related activities
  • Support continuous improvement of safety and quality performance metrics

Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on extrusion experience may be considered
  • 3+ years of experience in plastic extrusion, polymer processing, or related manufacturing environments
  • Strong knowledge of extrusion processes, tooling, dies, downstream equipment, line setup, troubleshooting, and process optimization
  • Experience evaluating polymer materials, resins, additives, and manufacturing processes
  • Experience supporting new product development, production launches, and manufacturing improvement initiatives
  • Leadership experience or demonstrated leadership potential preferred
  • Exposure to production scheduling, workforce supervision, and manufacturing operations management preferred
  • Familiarity with ERP systems, manufacturing documentation systems, and production reporting tools preferred
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational excellence initiatives preferred
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
  • Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Production, and Supply Chain teams
  • Ability to work within a manufacturing environment and support plant-floor operations
  • Ability to travel up to 10% for training, supplier visits, equipment evaluations, and business-related activities
  • Align with Patrick Industries "BETTER Together" mentality by pursuing Balance, Excellence, Trust, Teamwork, Empowerment, and Respect within the organization

At Patrick Industries, BETTER Together is our commitment to being our best while striving to bring out the best in one another as we join forces Individually, as Teams, with our Business Units, with our Customers, our Communities and within our entire Patrick family.
Patrick is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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