Polymer Process Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:               Polymer Process Engineer                      

DEPARTMENT:        Engineering

REPORTS TO:          Polymer Process Engineering Manager

LOCATION:             Olive Branch, MS

WAGE:                      Salaried, Exempt

WORK HOURS:       Full-time, Variable

 ABOUT THE POSITION

The Polymer Process Engineer is a critical member of our polymerization engineering team. S/He will oversee the daily operation and engineering support of two continuous polymerization units. These units produce approximately 40 million pounds of acrylic polymer annually. The Polymer Process Engineer will be responsible for maintaining steady-state operation, identifying areas of improvement, and maintaining a reactive maintenance program. S/He will be responsible for coordinating and executing shutdowns of the units involving routine maintenance and engineering projects.

This role is a key contributor to sustaining product quality, minimizing waste, and maintaining compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards.

This position requires attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, and a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality—reflecting Plaskolite’s core values of Integrity and Improvement.

ESSENTIAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, optimize, and document polymer manufacturing processes and procedures to improve quality, efficiency, and throughput
• Read, interpret and develop process P&ID’s and relevant engineering drawings.
• Support root cause investigations and corrective actions for process deviations or quality nonconformances
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and process documentation for consistent and repeatable production practices
• Monitor and troubleshoot processing challenges related to polymer rheology, temperature control, mixing, material handling, and equipment malfunctions
• Understand and navigate process control systems, such as the DCS (DeltaV, etc…)
• Work closely with Quality Assurance to ensure compliance with product specifications, industry standards, and customer requirements
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lean manufacturing principles across production lines
• Partner with the Maintenance and Engineering teams to evaluate equipment performance, recommend upgrades, identify process concerns, prioritize projects, and ensure process reliability
• Participate as engineering team member to execute annual maintenance shutdowns
• Coordinate with operations and procurement to maintain raw material inventories in compliance with regulatory and inventory governance.
• Develop and support capital projects by providing technical input on equipment selection, process design, and system commissioning
• Provide training and technical guidance to production and technical staff on process best practices and troubleshooting methods
• Collaborate with R&D and Product Development teams to scale up new materials and formulations from lab to full-scale production
• Participate in cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives related to manufacturing excellence, sustainability, and new technology deployment
• Ensure adherence to environmental, health, and safety standards in all process-related activities
• Perform other engineering duties and special projects as assigned by leadership
• All other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required; Chemical Engineering preferred.
• Two or more years of process engineering experience preferred; manufacturing experience a plus
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to organize, prioritize, delegate, multitask, and work within established deadlines

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

Develops professional independence in engineering judgment, troubleshooting, and technical problem solving. Builds effective communication and teamwork habits consistent with Plaskolite’s values of Integrity and Improvement.

• Working knowledge of Plaskolite’s polymerization manufacturing process.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Team-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work safely in a manufacturing environment.
• Capable of prioritizing multiple projects under limited supervision.

ABOUT PLASKOLITE

Established in 1950, Plaskolite's first successes were in production of hula-hoops, flyswatters, and fluorescent lighting panels. Now, Plaskolite is North America’s leading manufacturer of thermoplastic sheet. Our mission is to deliver superior thermoplastic sheet, coatings, and polymers to the world through long-lasting customer relationships and hands-on customer service. Plaskolite is now a member of Pritzker Private Capital, which partners with middle-market companies based in North America with leading positions in the manufactured products, services, and healthcare sectors. Visit www.plaskolite.com/about for more info.

PLASKOLITE is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.  If requested, the Company will provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified individuals where appropriate to allow the ++individual to perform the essential functions of the job, so long as doing so does not create an undue hardship on the business. 

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.