{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"8b2c784239bd4197196bfdfc","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/8b2c784239bd4197196bfdfc","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/8b2c784239bd4197196bfdfc","title":"Process Engineer - Plastic Compounding","description":"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.\nPurpose and Scope\nThe 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.\nEssential Duties and Responsibilities\nThis 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.\nSet up, monitor, and adjust machinery and process parameters for mixing and compounding operations.\nCollaborate with R&D to scale up new recipes and transition them into stable production.\nIdentify, analyze, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.\nSupport and drive improvements in cooperation with maintenance and engineering.\nTroubleshoot equipment and process issues to minimize downtime and ensure consistent product performance.\nEnsure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards.\nProvide training and technical guidance to operators and production staff.\nCollect and analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.\nAssist in developing and updating process documentation, work instructions, and standardoperating procedures.\nAct as backup to the Production Manager, overseeing daily operations and coordinating production schedules as required.\nPrioritize, schedule, and delegate work assignments.\nDirectly supervise assigned subordinates.\nProvide hands-on leadership and technical direction to the production team.\nIdeal Competencies Required for Role\nTo 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.\nLanguage 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.\nMathematical 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.\nSkilled at listening and providing feedback to their team.\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on, practical mindset.\nAbility to work collaboratively across teams, including R&D, production, and maintenance.\nProficiency in troubleshooting and optimizing extrusion and compounding processes.\nEffective communication skills to explain technical topics to both technical and nontechnical audiences.\nStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.\nInitiative-driven, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.\nLeadership potential to guide teams and temporarily step into production management responsibilities.\nFlexibility - Open to change and new ideas. Embrace new technologies and approaches and are not afraid to pivot when necessary.\nHigh degree of attention to detail and diligence.\nTime management and planning – ability to meet tight deadlines.\nAbility to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines.\nAbility to work collaboratively with other departments.\nAbility to work well under time constraints and remain calm under pressure.\nAbility to troubleshoot technical / material problems.\nEducation and/or Experience\nBachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related technical field.\n2–5 years of experience in process engineering, ideally within polymer compounding, extrusion, or plastics manufacturing.\nExperience with (TPE) compounding or polymer processing strongly preferred.\nKnowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.\nPrevious experience working in a production environment with machinery setup and process optimization.\nExperience in using diverse types of manufacturing machinery and tools.\nMicrosoft Office 365 literacy is required, especially Excel. ERP experience preferred.\nAbility to operate a forklift (sit down preferred) and aerial platform lift.\nPhysical Requirements\nAbility to climb and descend stairs at times.\nAwareness of environment; manufacturing, warehouse and areas with temperature swings, noise hazards, moving parts and forklift traffic.\nAbility to utilize PPE including hearing protection, eye protection, safety shoes and occasionally a respirator and protective clothing.\nAbility to understand and follow all Company Safety, Environmental and Quality Policies and Procedures.\nThis role may be subject to internal and external environmental conditions.\nWorking in manufacturing and office environments.\nWork Environment\nWhile 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.\nProduction plant environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and moving equipment.\nRequires standing, walking, and occasional lifting.\nOffice work as needed for reporting, data analysis, and project coordination.\nInteraction across multiple departments including R&D, production, maintenance, and management.\nCommitment to safety and adherence to company environmental, health, and safety standards is essential.","company":"Hexpol Tpe Americas","rawCompany":"hexpol tpe americas","city":"Broadview","state":"IL","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-05-24T07:39:31.868Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2112.03","title":"Manufacturing Engineers","slug":"manufacturing-engineers"},{"code":"17-2041.00","title":"Chemical Engineers","slug":"chemical-engineers"},{"code":"17-2112.00","title":"Industrial Engineers","slug":"industrial-engineers"}],"industries":[{"code":"325991","title":"Custom Compounding of Purchased Resins","slug":"custom-compounding-of-purchased-resins"},{"code":"326199","title":"All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing","slug":"all-other-plastics-product-manufacturing"},{"code":"325211","title":"Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing","slug":"plastics-material-and-resin-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Process Engineer - Plastic Compounding","description":"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.\nPurpose and Scope\nThe 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.\nEssential Duties and Responsibilities\nThis 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.\nSet up, monitor, and adjust machinery and process parameters for mixing and compounding operations.\nCollaborate with R&D to scale up new recipes and transition them into stable production.\nIdentify, analyze, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.\nSupport and drive improvements in cooperation with maintenance and engineering.\nTroubleshoot equipment and process issues to minimize downtime and ensure consistent product performance.\nEnsure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards.\nProvide training and technical guidance to operators and production staff.\nCollect and analyze production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.\nAssist in developing and updating process documentation, work instructions, and standardoperating procedures.\nAct as backup to the Production Manager, overseeing daily operations and coordinating production schedules as required.\nPrioritize, schedule, and delegate work assignments.\nDirectly supervise assigned subordinates.\nProvide hands-on leadership and technical direction to the production team.\nIdeal Competencies Required for Role\nTo 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.\nLanguage 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.\nMathematical 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.\nSkilled at listening and providing feedback to their team.\nStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on, practical mindset.\nAbility to work collaboratively across teams, including R&D, production, and maintenance.\nProficiency in troubleshooting and optimizing extrusion and compounding processes.\nEffective communication skills to explain technical topics to both technical and nontechnical audiences.\nStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.\nInitiative-driven, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.\nLeadership potential to guide teams and temporarily step into production management responsibilities.\nFlexibility - Open to change and new ideas. Embrace new technologies and approaches and are not afraid to pivot when necessary.\nHigh degree of attention to detail and diligence.\nTime management and planning – ability to meet tight deadlines.\nAbility to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines.\nAbility to work collaboratively with other departments.\nAbility to work well under time constraints and remain calm under pressure.\nAbility to troubleshoot technical / material problems.\nEducation and/or Experience\nBachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Polymer Engineering, or a related technical field.\n2–5 years of experience in process engineering, ideally within polymer compounding, extrusion, or plastics manufacturing.\nExperience with (TPE) compounding or polymer processing strongly preferred.\nKnowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.\nPrevious experience working in a production environment with machinery setup and process optimization.\nExperience in using diverse types of manufacturing machinery and tools.\nMicrosoft Office 365 literacy is required, especially Excel. ERP experience preferred.\nAbility to operate a forklift (sit down preferred) and aerial platform lift.\nPhysical Requirements\nAbility to climb and descend stairs at times.\nAwareness of environment; manufacturing, warehouse and areas with temperature swings, noise hazards, moving parts and forklift traffic.\nAbility to utilize PPE including hearing protection, eye protection, safety shoes and occasionally a respirator and protective clothing.\nAbility to understand and follow all Company Safety, Environmental and Quality Policies and Procedures.\nThis role may be subject to internal and external environmental conditions.\nWorking in manufacturing and office environments.\nWork Environment\nWhile 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.\nProduction plant environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and moving equipment.\nRequires standing, walking, and occasional lifting.\nOffice work as needed for reporting, data analysis, and project coordination.\nInteraction across multiple departments including R&D, production, maintenance, and management.\nCommitment to safety and adherence to company environmental, health, and safety standards is essential.","datePosted":"2026-05-24T07:39:31.868Z","dateModified":"2026-05-24T07:39:31.868Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Hexpol Tpe Americas","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Broadview","addressRegion":"IL","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"8b2c784239bd4197196bfdfc"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/8b2c784239bd4197196bfdfc"}}