Manufacturing Engineering Manager - Plastic Extrusion

Due to continued growth, my client is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead all engineering activities supporting high‑volume production lines. This role will be responsible for ensuring process stability, maintaining product quality, optimizing throughput and material utilization, establishing engineering best practices, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Client Details

My client is a well‑established and rapidly growing manufacturer of residential and commercial building materials. Their facility near Aurora, IL is undergoing significant expansion due to increasing market demand, prompting the need to add an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to the team.

Description

• Lead and develop a team of engineers and technicians supporting multiple production lines.
• Own overall process performance, including quality, efficiency, and output metrics.
• Establish and maintain operating standards for process control and product consistency.
• Drive development and launch of new product variations, materials, and process capabilities.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve throughput, yield, and energy efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with tooling, maintenance, and electrical teams to enhance line performance.
• Oversee process changes, material qualifications, and root-cause investigations.
• Mentor team members, providing coaching, technical guidance, and career development.
• Support capital planning efforts for production lines, tooling, and auxiliary equipment.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 8-15+ years of hands-on manufacturing process experience in a continuous or high‑volume production environment.
• Prior leadership experience managing engineering teams in a plant setting.
• Strong understanding of process design, material behavior, and control methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to support multi-line, multi-shift operations and drive cross-functional results
• Background in sheet, film, extrusion, or continuous manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with recycled materials, multi-layer products, or tight‑tolerance applications.
• Familiarity with SPC, Lean/CI, and process capability development.
• Proven success in capital equipment upgrades, line expansions, or major process improvements.

Job Offer

• Base salary $120,000 - $150,000 depending on experience level
• Up to 20% annual bonus incentive
• 3 Weeks PTO + 1 Week Sick time
• Comprehensive health benefits
• 401k program with employer match

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