What are the responsibilities and job description for the Process Engineer - Plastics Manufacturing position at JSP?
About JSP
JSP is a global leader in innovative foam technology, serving industries including automotive, HVAC, packaging, sports, and consumer products. Our products include ARPRO®, a recyclable expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam, designed to deliver performance, versatility, and sustainability.
At JSP, we combine advanced materials, manufacturing expertise, and continuous improvement to develop solutions for our customers around the world.
The Opportunity
JSP is seeking a hands-on Process Engineer to support and improve our Detroit manufacturing operation. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving technical problems, analyzing manufacturing data, working directly with production teams, and turning ideas into measurable improvements.
You will help optimize manufacturing processes, troubleshoot production challenges, support equipment and process improvements, and improve quality, efficiency, and material utilization. You will also have opportunities to participate in manufacturing trials, capital projects, and initiatives that support recycling and sustainability.
We are looking for someone who is curious, analytical, practical, and comfortable working in an active manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor manufacturing processes and production performance to identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, consistency, and cost.
- Investigate process deviations, equipment issues, and production problems using structured troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
- Develop, test, and evaluate solutions to manufacturing challenges, verifying results through data and performance measurements.
- Plan and conduct manufacturing trials and process experiments to evaluate materials, process settings, and equipment changes.
- Apply statistical methods, process-control techniques, and data analysis to improve process stability and product quality.
- Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), production data, and process trends to identify improvement opportunities and measure results.
- Support troubleshooting and improvement of extrusion, expansion, and related manufacturing processes.
- Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and other teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
- Assist with the evaluation, design, installation, and startup of new equipment, process modifications, and capital projects.
- Support troubleshooting of manufacturing control systems, operator interfaces, and related equipment or software.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures; communicate changes and provide training as needed.
- Evaluate opportunities to reduce scrap, improve material recovery, and incorporate recycling practices into manufacturing processes.
- Work with global JSP teams to share technical knowledge and support manufacturing improvements.
- Follow all applicable safety, quality, environmental, OSHA, and JSP policies and procedures.