Job Title: R&D Extrusion Process Engineer
Requisition Number: CGC-3683
Interest Category: Engineering
Hourly/Salary: Salary
City: Naperville
State: Illinois
Country: United States
Shift: Days
Job Description:
Position Summary
James Hardie is looking for an Extrusion/Pultrusion Process Engineer with a BS or MS degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Materials Engineering having expertise in extrusion of composites with concentration in the area of composites manufacturing. The position will involve working with R&D team in Naperville and manufacturing plant in Pulaski in innovating and developing new formulations, die/tool design and processes for extrusion/pultrusion of polymer composites. Job will involve setting up a pilot extruder in R&D for concept generation and development on the pilot machine and implementing the new technique/design in production to reduce cost of extrusion/pultrusions by up to 30%. Position will be reporting to the Naperville manager/lead.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required:
- Demonstrated experience of extrusion process and extrusion die-design
- Demonstrated understanding of material/composites processing and rheology
- Knowledge of CFD preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work with and drive cross-functional groups and external partners.
- Strong track-record of developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex problems in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated use of project management skills.
- Demonstrated intermediate skills with the standard features of various personal computer word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, and other proprietary software).
- Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in a manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with best-practices principles such as Six Sigma Total Quality Management (TQM) preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of process flows.
- Ability to observe and understand existing and new processes.
- Ability to observe and troubleshoot process issues.
- Excellent documentation and presentation skills.
Education/Experience:
Required:
- Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Materials Engineering
- 3 or more years of experience in extrusion of composites
- 3 or more years hands on experience in manufacturing/industrial setting.
- Experience in leading or managing projects preferred
Position Responsibilities
Leads various projects such as new formulations and products, extrusion die-design, process optimization and upgrades (50%)
- Coordinating efforts and fostering collaboration within cross-functional project teams consisting of R&D scientists, plant engineers, design and construction engineers, quality, EH&S, vendors, plant floor operators and maintenance technicians;
- Incorporating project management duties such as project scope writing, resource management, timelines, reporting progress to business and delivering executed projects;
- Providing technical support and expertise during design, install, start-up, and preliminary production runs of new processes;
- Reviewing design and construction documents to ensure accuracy and correct issues prior to installation;
- Developing detailed trial plans and coordinating and overseeing in-plant trials;
- Providing technical training and expertise to plants relevant to new process and process implementation;
- Working with plant line employees to discuss concepts of new technologies, safety requirements, and process requirements;
- Providing technical oversight during start-ups to observe, troubleshoot, and document any process or scale-up issues; and
- Providing operating guidelines and procedures for new processes.
Interacts with manufacturing plants and R&D to ensure development of viable, achievable processes that can be implemented within specific cost and time restraints by: (25%)
- Personally interacting with plant personnel who are critical in helping develop requirements of new processes and who understand existing processes;
- Effectively communicating with plant personnel to promote new concepts and drive process implementation;
- Personally interacting with identified R&D personnel to gain understanding of new technologies and impact on existing processes; and
- Effectively communicating with R&D personnel to provide guidance on existing processes and process constraints.
Delivers project results to improve the business as a whole by enhancing durability, quality, new production capacity, efficiency, and/or safety in such a way that the projects are resourced to further the Company’s position in the building products industry by: (25%)
- Focusing on the key areas of Company strength and weakness and addressing both;
- Using a goal-oriented leadership style to lead team and self to project success;
- Managing time, money, and personnel effectively to accomplish the necessary tasks while minimizing inefficiency, duplicity, and travel time; and
- Accomplishing projects personally or overseeing the work required to deliver the project results.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
Quantitative Dimensions
Decision Making:
The Process Engineer has excellent decision-making skills in order to be able to make critical, on the spot process related decisions with limited data. Additionally, he/she has the ability to consult peers, process experts, and team members on decisions affecting the overall project while keeping in mind the needs of the plant, cost, timeline, and logistics. The observations, opinions, and decisions of the Process Engineer carry significant weight in the outcome or direction of a developing process and as a result the Engineer is thorough, makes careful observations, and considers his/her decisions and opinions carefully. Many projects stem from highly confidential development work, which requires discretion and the ability to communicate projects in a generic, yet comprehensive manner.
Supervisory/Lead
Responsibilities:
The Process Engineer does not have direct reports. However, he/she is responsible for the actions and safety of any support personnel that accompany or assist him/her in the manufacturing plant. The incumbent also coaches line personnel in proper techniques and concepts of new processes.
Scope of Position:
The Process Engineer is involved in numerous projects involving manufacturing facilities in Pulaski for composites extrusion and R&D facilities in Naperville, IL and Fontana, CA. Projects costs may range from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars. The incumbent is required to take theoretical models and modeling and implement real solutions in a timely manner. The Engineer has a strong relevant background in polymer processing with application to extrusion process. He/she needs to utilize this strong background to help the business overcome some key challenges in extrusion of composites. He/she supports various projects that deliver one or more of the following to the business.
- New products: Supporting the business growth strategy by launching new products that increase top line growth.
- Product or platform improvements: Changes to the way in which the Company processes the raw materials or products that improve customer value through better field performance or installation cost.
- Process upgrades: Step change process improvements that improve throughput or cost efficiency.
Competencies:
- Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner.
- Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise.
- Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.
- Innovation: Generating innovative solutions in work situations; trying different and novel ways to deal with work problems and opportunities.
- Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues; problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
- Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units, or organizations to help achieve business goals.
- Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
- Work Standards: Setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed.
- Managing Work (includes Time Management): Effectively managing one's time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
- Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
Requisition Number: CGC-3683
Interest Category: Engineering
Hourly/Salary: Salary
City: Naperville
State: Illinois
Country: United States
Shift: Days
Job Description:
Position Summary
James Hardie is looking for an Extrusion/Pultrusion Process Engineer with a BS or MS degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Materials Engineering having expertise in extrusion of composites with concentration in the area of composites manufacturing. The position will involve working with R&D team in Naperville and manufacturing plant in Pulaski in innovating and developing new formulations, die/tool design and processes for extrusion/pultrusion of polymer composites. Job will involve setting up a pilot extruder in R&D for concept generation and development on the pilot machine and implementing the new technique/design in production to reduce cost of extrusion/pultrusions by up to 30%. Position will be reporting to the Naperville manager/lead.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required:
- Demonstrated experience of extrusion process and extrusion die-design
- Demonstrated understanding of material/composites processing and rheology
- Knowledge of CFD preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work with and drive cross-functional groups and external partners.
- Strong track-record of developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex problems in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated use of project management skills.
- Demonstrated intermediate skills with the standard features of various personal computer word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, and other proprietary software).
- Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices and procedures in a manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with best-practices principles such as Six Sigma Total Quality Management (TQM) preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of process flows.
- Ability to observe and understand existing and new processes.
- Ability to observe and troubleshoot process issues.
- Excellent documentation and presentation skills.
Education/Experience:
Required:
- Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Materials Engineering
- 3 or more years of experience in extrusion of composites
- 3 or more years hands on experience in manufacturing/industrial setting.
- Experience in leading or managing projects preferred
Position Responsibilities
Leads various projects such as new formulations and products, extrusion die-design, process optimization and upgrades (50%)
- Coordinating efforts and fostering collaboration within cross-functional project teams consisting of R&D scientists, plant engineers, design and construction engineers, quality, EH&S, vendors, plant floor operators and maintenance technicians;
- Incorporating project management duties such as project scope writing, resource management, timelines, reporting progress to business and delivering executed projects;
- Providing technical support and expertise during design, install, start-up, and preliminary production runs of new processes;
- Reviewing design and construction documents to ensure accuracy and correct issues prior to installation;
- Developing detailed trial plans and coordinating and overseeing in-plant trials;
- Providing technical training and expertise to plants relevant to new process and process implementation;
- Working with plant line employees to discuss concepts of new technologies, safety requirements, and process requirements;
- Providing technical oversight during start-ups to observe, troubleshoot, and document any process or scale-up issues; and
- Providing operating guidelines and procedures for new processes.
Interacts with manufacturing plants and R&D to ensure development of viable, achievable processes that can be implemented within specific cost and time restraints by: (25%)
- Personally interacting with plant personnel who are critical in helping develop requirements of new processes and who understand existing processes;
- Effectively communicating with plant personnel to promote new concepts and drive process implementation;
- Personally interacting with identified R&D personnel to gain understanding of new technologies and impact on existing processes; and
- Effectively communicating with R&D personnel to provide guidance on existing processes and process constraints.
Delivers project results to improve the business as a whole by enhancing durability, quality, new production capacity, efficiency, and/or safety in such a way that the projects are resourced to further the Company’s position in the building products industry by: (25%)
- Focusing on the key areas of Company strength and weakness and addressing both;
- Using a goal-oriented leadership style to lead team and self to project success;
- Managing time, money, and personnel effectively to accomplish the necessary tasks while minimizing inefficiency, duplicity, and travel time; and
- Accomplishing projects personally or overseeing the work required to deliver the project results.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
Quantitative Dimensions
Decision Making:
The Process Engineer has excellent decision-making skills in order to be able to make critical, on the spot process related decisions with limited data. Additionally, he/she has the ability to consult peers, process experts, and team members on decisions affecting the overall project while keeping in mind the needs of the plant, cost, timeline, and logistics. The observations, opinions, and decisions of the Process Engineer carry significant weight in the outcome or direction of a developing process and as a result the Engineer is thorough, makes careful observations, and considers his/her decisions and opinions carefully. Many projects stem from highly confidential development work, which requires discretion and the ability to communicate projects in a generic, yet comprehensive manner.
Supervisory/Lead
Responsibilities:
The Process Engineer does not have direct reports. However, he/she is responsible for the actions and safety of any support personnel that accompany or assist him/her in the manufacturing plant. The incumbent also coaches line personnel in proper techniques and concepts of new processes.
Scope of Position:
The Process Engineer is involved in numerous projects involving manufacturing facilities in Pulaski for composites extrusion and R&D facilities in Naperville, IL and Fontana, CA. Projects costs may range from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars. The incumbent is required to take theoretical models and modeling and implement real solutions in a timely manner. The Engineer has a strong relevant background in polymer processing with application to extrusion process. He/she needs to utilize this strong background to help the business overcome some key challenges in extrusion of composites. He/she supports various projects that deliver one or more of the following to the business.
- New products: Supporting the business growth strategy by launching new products that increase top line growth.
- Product or platform improvements: Changes to the way in which the Company processes the raw materials or products that improve customer value through better field performance or installation cost.
- Process upgrades: Step change process improvements that improve throughput or cost efficiency.
Competencies:
- Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner.
- Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise.
- Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.
- Innovation: Generating innovative solutions in work situations; trying different and novel ways to deal with work problems and opportunities.
- Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues; problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
- Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units, or organizations to help achieve business goals.
- Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
- Work Standards: Setting high standards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed.
- Managing Work (includes Time Management): Effectively managing one's time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
- Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.