What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Industrial Engineer - Compounds (Madison, MS) position at Westlake Global Compounds?
Summary
The Manufacturing Engineer – PVCO is responsible for developing deep expertise in PVCO manufacturing technology and applying that knowledge to optimize processes, ensure product quality, and standardize training and troubleshooting practices. This role serves as the PVCO Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing technical leadership and driving consistency to support the expansion of PVCO capabilities across the organization. The position acts as a key bridge between Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D, ensuring safe, stable, and efficient production while strengthening overall technical capability. During the first two years, the primary focus will be supporting the startup, commissioning, and production ramp-up of the new PVCO facility.
Key Responsibilities
Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.
The Manufacturing Engineer – PVCO is responsible for developing deep expertise in PVCO manufacturing technology and applying that knowledge to optimize processes, ensure product quality, and standardize training and troubleshooting practices. This role serves as the PVCO Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing technical leadership and driving consistency to support the expansion of PVCO capabilities across the organization. The position acts as a key bridge between Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D, ensuring safe, stable, and efficient production while strengthening overall technical capability. During the first two years, the primary focus will be supporting the startup, commissioning, and production ramp-up of the new PVCO facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the start-up, commissioning and production ramp up of the new PVCO plant
- Serve as the central PVCO Subject Matter Expert, providing technical leadership and guidance across all PVCO operations.
- Develop and apply advanced knowledge of PVCO manufacturing, including extrusion, orientation, cooling, belling, testing, and packaging systems
- Monitor and optimize manufacturing processes to improve quality, yield, efficiency, and reliability
- Identify and implement process improvements, waste reduction strategies, and cost-saving initiatives
- Support equipment setup, validation, calibration, and troubleshooting
- Lead root cause analyses (RCA) and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)
- Create and maintain clear work instructions, process documentation, and troubleshooting guides
- Support and deliver technical training for operators, technicians, and supervisors
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to scale new materials, tooling, and process innovations
- Support capital projects including equipment upgrades, capacity expansion, and technology improvements
- Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards
- Support the standardization and deployment of PVCO processes across multiple facilities
- Provide technical support for PVCO expansion initiatives, including startup support, commissioning and knowledge transfer
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, Materials/Polymer, Industrial, or related discipline)
- 3–7 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience
- Experience in plastics extrusion, pipe manufacturing, or polymer processing preferred
- Strong understanding of process optimization and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, SPC)
- Demonstrated ability or potential to act as a technical leader or subject Matter Expert (SME) in a specialized manufacturing process preferred
- Proven analytical and problem-solving capability
- Ability to develop clear technical documentation and operator-focused work instructions
- Hands-on mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
- Proficiency with CAD and manufacturing data analysis tools
- Familiarity with automation systems, PLC interfaces, and process controls preferred
- Experience supporting or leading capital projects is a plus
- Willingness and ability to travel as needed (initial training in Canada)
- Majority of work performed on the manufacturing floor, with some office-based engineering and documentation tasks
- Requires regular interaction with production floor staff
- Exposure to production noise, moving equipment, heat; must comply with all PPE and safety requirements
- Up to 25% - 75% travel (domestic and international) to support PVCO operations, including training, equipment installation supplier engagement and cross site collaboration
- International travel may be required to support the expansion of PVCO technology and implementation of new manufacturing capabilities
Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.