Salary: 30000 - £48000/annum Negotiable
Category: Engineering & Technical
Job Type: Permanent
Job Location: West Midlands, West Midlands
Posted on: 25/08/2010

Extrusion Process Engineer



CONFIDENTIAL Job Specification



Extrusion Process Engineer

Job ref: AZ/15271



Salary: £38,000 to £48,000 dependant on experience



Location: Hereford & Worcestershire



Summary

This position is an excellent opportunity for a mid-level process engineer in a growing, Material Science Technology business.

This opening is a new position to provide engineering support to the thermoplastic extrusion operations.

Highly visible in a growing operations and engineering team, the person filling this position is important to the future success of the company.





REQUIREMENTS & RESPONSIBILITIES:



Overall skills:

Analytical skills, technical project management, and process support for extrusion

Technical-based approach to process improvement focusing on key areas within the extrusion function.

Play a leading role in continuously improving the manufacturing process with the aim of driving quality standards up and the cost base down.

Demonstrated polymer science knowledge and extrusion manufacturing and engineering experience





Specific application areas:



Process Details

Examine and detail the operational parameters of the extrusion process equipment to establish the optimum manufacturing specifications that can be applied to the existing range of product formulations and provide repeatability and reliability of the manufacturing processes.

Examine and detail the inputs and outputs amongst the various extrusion process unit operations to provide an optimisation flow chart encompassing the whole of the extrusion process from mixing to film on reel. For example, what is the optimum material state when it leaves one process and arrives at the next step in the process?



Raw Materials

Responsibility for material suitability and development and improvement of technology to support the development of existing and new products

Reduce the overall film waste figures by examining product changeovers, shutdowns, etc.



Plant and Equipment

Investigate and analyse the scientific methodology behind the existing screw and die designs to optimise the polymer rheology and investigate improved materials, coatings and designs.

Detail, record, and analyse the wear patterns of extrusion screws and dies.

Troubleshoot technical problems related to the production of plastic films and bags using Failure Analysis and Root Cause Analysis.



Measurement and Control

Introduce appropriate controls and measurements to enable data-driven decision-making

Initiate, direct, and support projects to implement innovative equipment, processes, and methods that enhance efficiency, improve safety, and increase profitability

Play a lead role in non-standard event correction leading to process correction and improvement.

Apply SPC and DOE methods to data collection and analysis to improve process performance and resolve manufacturing problems on the shop floor



Technical support for sales

Liaise with sales as appropriate to troubleshoot customer applications



Quality

Develop processing and quality specifications for new products made in manufacturing trials to ensure a robust process to consistently meet customer expectations





IDEAL CANDIDATE:

BSc or BEng in Chemistry, Polymer Science, or Engineering

5 plus years of industrial experience in extrusion engineering

Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work in team environment

Thrives in a fast paced, entrepreneurial, open-thinking, non-corporate environment

Can operate in the technical, manufacturing and end-use customer arenas







Listgrove Limited is a world leading recruitment and human resource consultancy; specialising in plastics, packaging, petrochemical, environmental and energy markets. Established for over 30 years, we have dedicated practices in International, Executive Search, Sales & Commercial, UK Regional, Interim Management and HR Consulting.



General applications from all candidates welcome

Vacancy Reference: 107521291
Employer/Agency: Listgrove