Plant Process Engineer
Location: Hawthorne, CA - Onsite
What is IP Corporation?
IP Corporation is a privately held, family-owned chemical manufacturing organization with more than 70 years of stability, innovation, and growth. Headquartered in Minnesota, IP Corporation supports a portfolio of operating companies that manufacture and distribute resins, gel coats, composite materials, and specialty polymer solutions used across a wide range of industrial applications.
Our operating companies, Interplastic Corporation, North American Composites, HK Research, and Molding Products, work together to deliver technical expertise, high-quality products, and long-term partnerships to customers around the world. We are known for our customer-first mindset, strong technical capabilities, and collaborative culture built on trust and continuous improvement.
What is a Plant Process Engineer?
The Plant Process Engineer is responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety within plant operations. This role works closely with Operations, Quality, and Engineering teams to analyze performance, troubleshoot process issues, and implement improvements. The position plays a key role in driving continuous improvement, ensuring process consistency, and supporting reliable and cost-effective production.
What You Can Expect to Do as a Plant Process Engineer:
- Analyze and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, throughput, and product quality.
- Troubleshoot process-related issues and support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Partner with Operations and Quality teams to ensure process consistency and performance.
- Identify and implement process improvements to reduce waste, variability, and cost.
- Support scale-up, process changes, and new product introductions within the plant.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, including SOPs and work instructions.
- Monitor process data and performance metrics to identify trends and opportunities.
- Support compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with engineering teams on equipment and process design improvements.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean or Six Sigma projects.
What We Are Looking For in a Plant Process Engineer:
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field required.
- 2-5 years of experience in process engineering within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of chemical or industrial manufacturing processes.
- Experience with process optimization, troubleshooting, and data analysis.
- Knowledge of safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally in a team-oriented environment.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma preferred.
Why Join IP Corporation?
- Be part of a stable, privately held organization with more than 70 years of success and industry leadership.
- Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous PTO, and a 401(k) with company match.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative, values-driven organization where your contributions matter.
- Work alongside experienced professionals in an environment that encourages continuous learning, development, and career growth.
- Join a culture built on teamwork, integrity, innovation, and long-term customer partnerships.
- Contribute to products and solutions that support a wide range of industries across North America and beyond.
- Enjoy the benefits of a company that combines the stability of an established organization with the agility and entrepreneurial spirit to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- Ability to work in an office and/or manufacturing environment.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use computer equipment for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift office or manufacturing-related materials as needed.
- Ability to work safely in plant or production areas when required.
IP Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field
- 2-5 years of process engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of chemical or industrial manufacturing processes
- Experience with process optimization, troubleshooting, and data analysis
- Knowledge of safety, environmental, and regulatory standards
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work cross-functionally in a team-oriented environment
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma
What We Do
Interplastic Corporation is a specialty chemical manufacturer that develops and produces thermoset, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester and specialty resins, gel coats, colorants and putties under its CoREZYN and Silmar brands. Its products serve composites, cast polymer and solid-surface manufacturers, with applications in areas such as marine, transportation and construction. The company’s chemists and engineers work with customers and suppliers to create solutions for product and manufacturing challenges.
