Process Engineer - Deckorators (Buffalo, NY)

Deckorators, a brand of UFP Industries, is a leader in composite decking, railing, and outdoor living products. Our Buffalo, New York plant is the newest and flagship facility utilizing our proven and growing Surestone technology. This state-of-the-art extrusion and polymer manufacturing site serves as a center of excellence for process innovation, automation, and material technology that define the next generation of Deckorators products.

The Process Engineer is responsible for driving process improvements, enhancing product quality, and reducing costs through process optimization, equipment development, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position works closely with the Engineering, Operations, and Maintenance teams to ensure production processes are safe, efficient, and capable of delivering world-class quality.

• Lead and support projects focused on productivity improvement, process efficiency, cost reduction, and product quality.

• Develop and maintain process standards and operating profiles to maximize extrusion output and minimize scrap.

• Analyze process data to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement.

• Maintain current knowledge of sensors, automation, and control technologies for potential process applications.

• Collaborate with vendors, integrators, and internal teams on SCADA, MES, and PLC control systems to improve uptime and consistency.

• Support development, testing, and implementation of new equipment, tooling, and extrusion technologies.

• Generate and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process documentation.

• Provide technical support and training to process technicians and operators to improve process capability.

• Manage process improvement and capital projects from concept through commissioning.

• Participate in safety initiatives and ensure compliance with company and OSHA requirements.

• Partner with Quality to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards.

• Support plant layout design and continuous improvement of material flow and line efficiency.

• Prepare process performance reports and communicate results to leadership.

• Perform other duties as required.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related field) or equivalent experience.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing; polymer or profile extrusion experience strongly preferred.

• Working knowledge of PLC controls, MES, and SCADA systems.

• Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD or SolidWorks).

• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills; experience with statistical tools preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and deliver measurable results.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.

• Highly organized, analytical, and process-oriented with strong project management skills.

• Self-motivated, hands-on engineer eager to work in a fast-paced, startup environment.

• Be part of the flagship Surestone facility-the centerpiece of Deckorators' next-generation extrusion operations.

• Drive process innovation and efficiency in a brand-new, cutting-edge manufacturing environment.

• Join a team that values collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Compensation & Benefit Information
Salary Pay Range: $85,000-$120,000K annually dependent on experience*
*pay range may be adjusted depending on cost of living

Bonus/Incentive Pay:

Benefits currently offered to our employees:

• Medical insurance

• Health savings account with company contribution

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Basic and voluntary life insurance

• Disability insurance

• 401(k) plan with company match

• Paid vacation and holidays

• Stock purchase program with employee discount

• Educational reimbursement

• Wellness programs and challenges

• Other supplemental benefits