Plant Engineering Lead

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Extrusion Process Engineer provides process and technical expertise to help drive operational stability improvements and productivity in our manufacturing process. The role champions the use of data driven, structured problem-solving and monitoring methods to resolve and prevent losses in our operations and partners with process and product development to industrialize solutions across our manufacturing network.

Reports to: Sr Engineering Lead

Span of Control: Individual Contributor, highly involved in plant expansion as well as productivity improvements. Influence and indirectly lead the maintenance and other operations employees and/or contractors.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Live the Safety Stand, adhere to the safety responsibilities

• Ensures a safe and environmentally compliant workplace where safety is the number 1 priority
• Support safety initiatives and processes to drive to zero incidents
• Follows and enforces all company safety policies

Engineering, Operations, & Machining

• Partners cross functionally to ensure engineering projects align with plant priorities to deliver improvements in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) or similar metrics that measure losses related to quality, availability, and performance.
• Identifies and implements machine or equipment improvements, including the design, creation, and interpretation of mechanical drawings.

Operationalize product and process development

• Lead product development and process trials
• Monitor and analyze production lines to ensure statistical control of production
• Drive resolution to top production and quality losses
• Lead HAZOP analysis for process changes and new equipment introductions
• Conversion and rollout support for key process initiatives
• Conduct research and trials to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing
• Troubleshooting problems associated with manufacturing processes
• Evaluating processes and equipment to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations
• Create training and standard operating procedures to help improve operational performance

Lead Manufacturing & Productivity Initiatives

• Lead new product qualification and network optimization work
• Lead Kaizen and other Focused improvement initiatives
• Lead material substitution implementation (including raw material and packaging)
• Identify and lead product design cost optimization
• Conduct PFMEA, FMEA's to assist in problem solving or problem prevention

Enable employee knowledge retention and training

• Conduct Critical Process Variable (CPV) and Critical Process Outputs (CPO) Audits
• Deliver training to ensure necessary product and process knowledge in plant teams
• Accelerate employee learning to achieve necessary business results upon process and equipment investments
• Leverage and teach Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Focused Improvement (FI) / Quality Management (QM) problem solving methodologies and case studies

Lead development of new manufacturing capabilities

• Develop processes that can produce consistent products measured in statistical terms (Cp & CpK 1.3 or greater)
• Expand the digital manufacturing toolset through leveraging remote monitoring and upset prediction and altering, process modeling
• Partner with Divisional Controls and Automation Engineers for implementation of process automation projects
• Partner with Science & Technology (S&T) to improve current product and validate findings
• Act as the escalation point for technical / process troubleshooting
• Lead solution identification and replication for common issues across plant(s)
• Help develop solutions for chronic problems in operations

JOB REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics or related discipline
• 5+ years of technical experience in manufacturing operations (Can be 3+ years)

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Proven results in driving products and process improvement in manufacturing environment
• Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Manufacturing, and / or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) experience
• Past performance that demonstrates self-starting behaviors and ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Familiarity with CAM software and CAD/CAM systems, software modeling (SolidWorks preferred).
• Technically orientated and knowledgeable in manufacturing systems
• Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Possess Mechanical and Electrical systems knowledge
• Ability to create and drive change
• Managing and delivering results through projects and initiatives
• Must show a curiosity and continuing desire to learn
• Multilinguals English-Spanish speaking candidates are a plus
• Knowledge of CNC machining processes
• Experience with CNC‑machined parts and assemblies, with strong knowledge of GD&T and tight‑tolerance machining practices.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to prioritize and adapt to a rapid changing environment while balancing multiple responsibilities
• Ability to build strong team alignment and communication
• Ability to coach and guide for results
• Experience in Plastic Extrusion or related Plastic manufacturing
• Strong decision-making skills
• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Leads through safety and corporate vision
• Possesses strong change management skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Able to anticipate risks and propose practical plans to mitigate them
• Data driven decisions
• Intelligent, creative, analytical
• Highly motived and results driven with a high energy level - has a bias for proactive action
• Forward thinking leadership abilities, lead by example, encourage teamwork and effective communication

Join an organization that believes that every employee owns a piece of our bold growth goals and ultimate success. We are a market-leading innovator that has placed on the Fortune 500. Owens Corning is devoted to delivering sustainable solutions across our three business segments while striving to ensure our people and products make the world a better place. We take pride in having an inclusive and diverse workplace with employees around the globe. A holistic sense of community exists across our entire organization as our talent grows globally. We are a company that fully recognizes the importance of paving a path to a sustainable and safe enterprise through investing in our people. Our desire to make an impactful difference in the world flows from top down to all levels of the organization. By being a company that instills pride within each employee, we aspire to build market-leading businesses; global in scope - human in scale.

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About Owens Corning

Owens Corning is a residential and commercial building products leader committed to building a sustainable future through material innovation. Our products provide durable, sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that leverage our unique capabilities and market-leading positions to help our customers win and grow. We are global in scope, human in scale with more than 25,000 employees in 31 countries dedicated to generating value for our customers and shareholders and making a difference in the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1938 and based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, Owens Corning posted 2024 sales of $11.0 billion. For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.

Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.