Plastic Process Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Are you a process engineer in the Chicago area with at least two years of experience in a plastic compounding environment? If so, we're looking for someone like you.

Purpose and Scope

The Process Engineer is responsible for setting up, optimizing, and improving machinery and production processes for mixing and compounding. This role works closely with R&D, production, and maintenance teams to ensure efficient and high-quality output. The Process Engineer is expected to drive continuous improvement, contribute to equipment and process upgrades, and support safe, reliable, and cost-effective production. Additionally, this position serves as a backup to the Operations Manager during planned absences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time. Duties may be accomplished by the incumbent or through the utilization of appropriate staff and resources.

• Set up, monitor, and adjust machinery and process parameters for mixing and compounding operations.
• Collaborate with R&D to scale up new recipes and transition them into stable production.
• Identify, analyze, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Support and drive improvements in cooperation with maintenance and engineering.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues to minimize downtime and ensure consistent product performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Provide training and technical guidance to operators and production staff.
• Collect and analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Assist in developing and updating process documentation, work instructions, and standardoperating procedures.
• Act as backup to the Production Manager, overseeing daily operations and coordinating production schedules as required.
• Prioritize, schedule, and delegate work assignments.
• Directly supervise assigned subordinates.
• Provide hands-on leadership and technical direction to the production team.

Ideal Competencies Required for Role

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Language Skills - Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, production schedules, purchase orders, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to prepare reports, procedure manuals, and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively with employees of the organization.
• Mathematical and Reasoning Ability - Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of specifications and information furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Skilled at listening and providing feedback to their team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on, practical mindset.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams, including R&D, production, and maintenance.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and optimizing extrusion and compounding processes.
• Effective communication skills to explain technical topics to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Initiative-driven, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Leadership potential to guide teams and temporarily step into production management responsibilities.
• Flexibility - Open to change and new ideas. Embrace new technologies and approaches and are not afraid to pivot when necessary.
• High degree of attention to detail and diligence.
• Time management and planning – ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments.
• Ability to work well under time constraints and remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical / material problems.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2–5 years of experience in process engineering, ideally within polymer compounding, extrusion, or plastics manufacturing.
• Experience with (TPE) compounding or polymer processing strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
• Previous experience working in a production environment with machinery setup and process optimization.
• Experience in using diverse types of manufacturing machinery and tools.
• Microsoft Office 365 literacy is required, especially Excel. ERP experience preferred.
• Ability to operate a forklift (sit down preferred) and aerial platform lift.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb and descend stairs at times.
• Awareness of environment; manufacturing, warehouse and areas with temperature swings, noise hazards, moving parts and forklift traffic.
• Ability to utilize PPE including hearing protection, eye protection, safety shoes and occasionally a respirator and protective clothing.
• Ability to understand and follow all Company Safety, Environmental and Quality Policies and Procedures.
• This role may be subject to internal and external environmental conditions.
• Working in manufacturing and office environments.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock and vibration. The noise level in the work environment varies from loud when in the plant area to quiet in the office areas.

• Production plant environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and moving equipment.
• Requires standing, walking, and occasional lifting.
• Office work as needed for reporting, data analysis, and project coordination.
• Interaction across multiple departments including R&D, production, maintenance, and management.
• Commitment to safety and adherence to company environmental, health, and safety standards is essential.