Process Engineer - Plastics Manufacturing

JSP is hiring a hands-on Process Engineer to support and improve its Detroit, MI manufacturing operation. In this onsite role, you will help optimize manufacturing processes by troubleshooting with structured root-cause analysis, running trials and experiments, and using data to drive improvements in quality, efficiency, consistency, and cost. You will also collaborate across production, maintenance, quality, and engineering to implement changes that create measurable, sustainable results.

What you will do

• Monitor manufacturing processes and production performance to find 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, confirming 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 KPIs, production data, and process trends to identify improvement opportunities and track outcomes.
• Support troubleshooting of extrusion, expansion, and related manufacturing processes.
• Partner with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and other teams to implement sustainable process improvements.
• Assist with evaluation, design, installation, and startup of new equipment, process modifications, and capital projects.
• Support troubleshooting for 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.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline; equivalent relevant technical experience may be considered.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant experience in process engineering, manufacturing engineering, or technical process improvement in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot production or technical issues, investigate root causes, implement solutions, and evaluate results.
• Working knowledge of process control, statistical methods, manufacturing data analysis, or continuous improvement techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including analyzing production data and working with databases.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with production and maintenance personnel and clearly communicate technical information.
• Hands-on approach, initiative, curiosity, and comfort working through technical challenges in a changing manufacturing environment.

Preferred experience

• Experience in plastics manufacturing, especially polymer extrusion, expansion, or foam manufacturing.
• Familiarity with SPC, DOE, and structured root-cause analysis.
• Exposure to industrial automation, manufacturing control systems, PLCs, HMIs, programming, or operator interfaces.
• Experience supporting manufacturing trials, equipment commissioning, process changes, or continuous improvement projects.
• Knowledge of scrap reduction, material recovery, recycling, or sustainable manufacturing practices.
• Experience developing process documentation, communicating technical changes, or training employees on revised processes.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, or programming is a plus but not required.

Benefits

• Health and welfare benefits effective on your date of hire.
• JSP match: JSP matches 200% of employee contributions up to an employee contribution of 3% of eligible compensation.
• Employees contributing 3% of eligible compensation may receive a company match equal to 6% of eligible compensation, subject to plan terms.

Work environment

• Active manufacturing environment with regular interaction with production equipment and plant personnel.
• Candidates must be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Compliance with safety procedures, PPE requirements, quality standards, environmental regulations, and JSP policies is required.
• Occasional after-hours support may be necessary to address significant process or production issues.

Employment eligibility

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• JSP does not sponsor employment visas (such as H-1B, TN, etc.) for this position.