Overview
Location : Waco, TX
- Compensation : $100,000 – $120,000
- Schedule : Monday – Friday
- Relocation Bonus : $5,000 – $10,000 available
- Travel : Less than 10% annually (some years 0%)
- Reports To : Plant Manager
About The Company
Our client is a leading plastic extrusion manufacturer backed by private equity, operating across facilities in Texas, Nevada, and Georgia . With approximately 300 employees and a growing culture centered on collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence, the company combines a family-like environment with the resources and strategic vision of a national organization.
Position Summary
The Manufacturing Engineer (also referred to as a Plant or Mechanical Project Engineer) will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, safety, and product quality within a plastic extrusion production environment
This position is highly hands-on and will focus on process design, capital equipment projects, system upgrades, and plant-wide improvement initiatives — ensuring cost-effective, high-performance production operations. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, balancing day-to-day problem-solving with long-term strategic projects.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and execute mechanical system design and installation projects, including new line setups, upgrades, and renovations.Conduct technical studies, feasibility analyses, and cost estimates for proposed installations or modifications.Oversee production line installation and renovation projects, including material handling, chiller systems, and extrusion tooling replacement.Manage ongoing improvements to tooling, screws, barrels, and blueprints, ensuring process consistency and documentation accuracy.Collaborate cross-functionally with Process Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations to troubleshoot issues and enhance production efficiency.Direct contractors and internal teams to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.Support New Equipment Commissioning and System Conversions, including transitioning extrusion lines from liquid-cooled to air-cooled.Drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve throughput, yield, and operational efficiency.Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.Prepare and maintain documentation, including working drawings, safety and quality records, and process documentation.Immediate / Short-Term Focus Projects
Completion and optimization of the plant-wide material handling systemTooling replacement program for extrusion components and system blueprintingAir leakage mitigation and underground line replacement initiativesChiller replacement, installation, and commissioningConversion of legacy extrusion lines from liquid-cooled to air-cooled operationSemi-automatic coiling system relocation and testing (partnership with Balsinelli, Italy)Integration of an automated strapping system for improved packaging operationsLong-Term Strategic Projects
Implementation of a second grinding / pelletizing line for recycled material processingDevelopment of in-house ferrule and coupling production via deep draw stampingExploration of in-house compounding capabilities for material innovationLine relocation and consolidation from Nevada to the Texas facilityQualifications
Required :
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or related discipline).Minimum 3+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in plastics or extrusion.Minimum 5+ years of experience in mechanical system design, installation, or project execution.Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, Access).Preferred :
Hands-on experience in plastic extrusion, tooling, assembly, or automation systems.Working knowledge of single-screw extrusion processes, PVC, TPE, or similar polymers.Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and / or Six Sigma methodologies.Experience with 3D modeling, CAD tools, or rapid prototyping.Strong mechanical aptitude, communication skills, and leadership qualities.Why Join
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in modernizing and optimizing a major manufacturing operation. You'll have visibility across capital projects, direct influence on process improvement initiatives, and the chance to help shape the long-term production roadmap for a company investing in growth and innovation.
J-18808-Ljbffr
