Manufacturing Process Engineer

Job Title: Manufacturing Process Engineer

Location: Houston, TX

Company: Alumanate

Company Overview

Alumanate is a rapidly growing U.S. manufacturer of aluminum composite panels serving the signage, architectural, and transportation markets. With a highly technical continuous-production process involving polymer extrusion, aluminum coil lamination, and precision cutting systems, Alumanate is expanding its technical team to support increased volume, quality improvement, and long-term operational excellence. We are seeking a Process Engineer who will become a key technical resource for our Houston facility and play a central role in mastering and optimizing the ACP production process.

Position Description

The Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing production processes, supporting manufacturing operations, improving material flow and product quality, and providing strong technical assistance internally and externally. This role will serve as a bridge between production, quality, maintenance, and leadership to ensure consistent performance of our extrusion and lamination line.

The Process Engineer will undergo formal and on-the-job training, including shadowing technical experts and occasionally traveling to equipment manufacturers for further training. Operating at an advanced level requires hands-on technical skills, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to work with minimal direction.

Key Responsibilities

Core Technical Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary resource for troubleshooting extrusion, lamination, heating, cooling, and cutting processes.
• Monitor and adjust machine settings (temperatures, pressures, line speeds, die configurations, cooling parameters, lamination pressures) to optimize performance.
• Document and develop process specifications, standard work instructions, and setup parameters.
• Lead continuous learning of material behavior, polymers, and ACP manufacturing systems.

Process Development & Optimization

• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes through data analysis, root cause investigations, and statistically designed experiments (DOE).
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce scrap, and enhance product consistency.
• Monitor process capability and implement changes to strengthen long-term stability.
• Participate in design reviews to ensure new products or material changes can be effectively manufactured.

Equipment & Technical Projects

• Evaluate emerging technologies and support trials of new materials (core blends, film, adhesives, aluminum).
• Work to diagnose technical issues, coordinate repairs, and develop preventative maintenance standards.

Training & Cross-Functional Support

• Train operators, supervisors, and QC technicians on process parameters, material behavior, and proper handling of equipment.
• Communicate technical requirements clearly to internal teams to ensure process adherence.
• Provide support during off-shifts for product trials or troubleshooting as needed.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead or participate in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Recommend cost-saving opportunities related to process design, workflows, material usage, and overall equipment efficiency.

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, or related field or equivalent technical experience.
• Minimum 3 years of manufacturing, extrusion, laminating, composites, or process-heavy production experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to actively listen, ask probing questions, diagnose root causes, and implement solutions quickly.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data, run tests, and document findings.
• Effective communication skills—both verbal and written—with the ability to support technical discussions internally and externally.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work cross-functionally.
• Proficient with computer systems (Excel, data logging tools, SPC, ERP/MRP systems).
• Willingness to support off-shifts or weekend trials as needed.
• Occasional travel up to 10–15% for customer visits or international training.

Preferred

• Experience with twin-screw extruders, polymer processing, sheet extrusion, or lamination systems.
• Prior involvement with designing or modifying manufacturing processes.
• Experience implementing or participating in Lean / Six Sigma projects.