Plastics Process Optimization Engineer (Thermoforming)

A day in the life in Oxford, NC

You start your morning walking the floor of our plastics facility, checking thermoforming lines and speaking with operators about overnight performance. By mid-morning, you’re modeling process changes to boost throughput and dialing in parameters to improve quality. In the afternoon, you finalize updated SOPs, coach team members on best practices, and review production data to spot trends that guide tomorrow’s improvements.

What you'll tackle

• Design, refine, and stabilize production processes for plastic manufacturing and thermoforming operations.
• Continuously evaluate efficiency, yield, and quality; execute improvements that reduce waste and downtime.
• Partner with maintenance, quality, and operations to investigate and resolve production issues quickly.
• Create, update, and maintain clear process documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Mentor production teams on new technologies, methods, and safety-first practices.
• Ensure full adherence to safety regulations and applicable industry standards.
• Analyze production data to identify patterns, bottlenecks, and opportunities for optimization.

How you'll succeed

• Use engineering software and analysis tools to model processes and validate changes.
• Apply quality control methodologies to maintain consistent, high-grade output.
• Collaborate across functions to align goals, communicate status, and sustain results.

What you bring

• Bachelor's in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a closely related field.
• 2+ years of hands-on production engineering experience in plastics and thermoforming.
• Strong grasp of manufacturing processes and quality control methods.
• Proficiency with engineering tools/software for process design and analysis.
• Sharp problem-solving ability and exceptional attention to detail.
• Team-oriented approach with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in manufacturing.

Proficiencies

• Equipment troubleshooting
• Mechanical troubleshooting skills
• Food Safety and Quality Assurance (FSQA)
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in a manufacturing environment
• Basic computer skills