Manufacturing Engineer - Plastics - Springdale, SC

The Manufacturing Engineer drives process optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement across a technically advanced manufacturing environment. This role blends hands-on engineering expertise with data-driven decision making to improve production performance, reduce waste, and support new product launches.

Client Details

Our client is a highly regarded, innovation-driven manufacturer operating within a specialised plastics and materials processing environment. They are recognised for investing heavily in advanced manufacturing technologies, including digital systems and smart factory initiatives. The organisation fosters a collaborative and safety-first culture, where engineering and operations work closely to drive continuous improvement.

Employees benefit from a team-oriented atmosphere that values accountability, professional development, and long-term career growth, alongside a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and community impact.

Description

The Manufacturing Engineer will act as a key technical resource for extrusion and compounding operations, focused on improving process stability, efficiency, and product quality. This individual will partner closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to troubleshoot complex issues, implement process improvements, and support new product introductions.

The role also plays a critical part in advancing digital manufacturing initiatives, leveraging real-time data and automation to optimize performance.

• Optimise extrusion processes through equipment, tooling, and parameter improvements.
• Lead troubleshooting across materials, machinery, and process variables.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 initiatives to enhance productivity.

Profile

The successful candidate will be a hands-on, technically curious engineer with a strong background in extrusion or continuous processing environments. They will bring a proactive mindset, capable of both solving immediate shop-floor challenges and contributing to long-term process innovation.

This individual will thrive in collaborative environments, possess strong communication skills, and demonstrate the ability to influence operators, technicians, and leadership teams alike.

Preferred Experience &

Background:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Plastics Engineering (or similar).
• 5+ years of experience in process manufacturing, ideally within plastics extrusion or compounding.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement frameworks.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies, including SCADA systems (e.g., Ignition), data acquisition, and automation.
• Exposure to predictive modelling, machine learning, or data analytics for manufacturing optimisation is highly advantageous.

Key Competencies:

• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability.
• Data-driven mindset with a continuous improvement focus.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage across all levels of the organization.

Job Offer

This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking manufacturing organization that is actively investing in modernising its operations through digital transformation and smart manufacturing.

The role offers strong exposure to cutting-edge engineering challenges, career progression opportunities, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to operational excellence initiatives in a supportive and team-driven environment.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 projects.
• Collaborative, inclusive culture with strong focus on development.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.