Process Engineer II

About Westlake Pipe & Fittings

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is the second-largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. Westlake Pipe & Fittings supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok® spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com

SO WHY WESTLAKE PIPE & FITTINGS?

We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive culture that empowers and encourages our associates to succeed through individual achievement and teamwork.  A career at Westlake Pipe & Fittings, is enriched with an innovative spirit, high work ethic, and rewarding experiences.  We foster a culture that supports professional development, personal growth, and opportunities for advancement. 

COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS

• Benefits Effective Day 1
• Med, Den, Vision, 401k (4% match), Annual Retirement Contribution (2%), Life & AD&D
• Paid Vacation
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Fitness Reimbursement Program
• Opportunity for Advancement

SUMMARY

The Process Engineer will lead a team of Process Technicians to establish, document, implement, and maintain sustainable injection molding processes for the company’s injection molding department.  Provide ongoing technical direction and recommendations for new equipment aimed at improving production efficiencies.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead a team of Process Technicians to establish, document, implement, and maintain sustainable injection molding processes thru structured studies and the application of Scientific Molding principles.
• Train employees, provide feedback on performance, assign and direct work as needed.
• Design, develop and install end of arm tooling for injection molding machine robots.
• Program and operate machine robots for runner and sprue removal and placement.
• Optimizing injection molding processes utilizing scientific molding principles as applied to PVC and CPVC plastic.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing for capability issues, technical improvements, and daily processing activities.
• Oversee and conduct sampling activities for new or revised tooling.
• Identify opportunities for cost avoidance and take appropriate actions.
• Troubleshooting issues related to injection molding processing or tooling.
• Participate in or lead continuous improvement activities involving process areas. (Ex. cycle times, scrap, downtime, machine, tools and energy)
• Oversee and ensure process parameter audits are completed on a regular basis.
• Review findings from process parameter audits.  Identify trends and common occurrences and evaluate for appropriate actions.
• Generate and distribute process parameter audit reports.
• Mentor Injection Mold Technicians on the latest problem solving, set-up and processing techniques.
• Provide input related to injection molding processes for the training and development of Injection Mold Technicians.
• Analyze process failures and determine root cause. Identify and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Investigate and provide recommendations for equipment to automate or improve manufacturing processes.
• Work with engineering on new project start-ups to facilitate the transition into production.
• Any other duties as assigned by manager.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. Degree in Mechanical, Industrial or Plastics Engineering and 7+ years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with injection molding machinery, and plastics processing (multiple technologies).
• Comprehensive knowledge of plastic injection molding process, machines, and resins.
• Knowledge and application of scientific molding principals.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Knowledge of automation, robots and vision systems.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, coworkers and leadership.
• Proficiency with MS office (word, spreadsheets), database applications, e-mail and internet research.
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated leadership ability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift-up to 50 pounds.
• This position is very active and requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, climbing; use of hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms.
• This position requires frequent communication with other employees. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Able to work safely in a production environment around moving mechanical parts, recognizing various sounds and alarms.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position has a transitioning work environment.  Office/computer and manufacturing plant environments are normal.  The noise level in the plant environment is usually high, as normal for a manufacturing plant.  Some of the work in the operating units may require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel toe shoes, fall protection, hard hats, etc.