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SUMMARY

The Manufacturing Engineer - PVCO is responsible for developing deep expertise in PVCO manufacturing technology and applying that knowledge to optimize processes, ensure product quality, and standardize training and troubleshooting practices. This role serves as the PVCO Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing technical leadership and driving consistency to support the expansion of PVCO capabilities across the organization. The position acts as a key bridge between Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and R&D, ensuring safe, stable, and efficient production while strengthening overall technical capability. During the first two years, the primary focus will be supporting the startup, commissioning, and production ramp-up of the new PVCO facility.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the start-up, commissioning and production ramp up of the new PVCO plant

Serve as the central PVCO Subject Matter Expert, providing technical leadership and guidance across all PVCO operations.

Develop and apply advanced knowledge of PVCO manufacturing, including extrusion, orientation, cooling, belling, testing, and packaging systems

Monitor and optimize manufacturing processes to improve quality, yield, efficiency, and reliability

Identify and implement process improvements, waste reduction strategies, and cost-saving initiatives

Support equipment setup, validation, calibration, and troubleshooting

Lead root cause analyses (RCA) and implement corrective/preventive actions (CAPA)

Create and maintain clear work instructions, process documentation, and troubleshooting guides

Support and deliver technical training for operators, technicians, and supervisors

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to scale new materials, tooling, and process innovations

Support capital projects including equipment upgrades, capacity expansion, and technology improvements

Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards

Support the standardization and deployment of PVCO processes across multiple facilities

Provide technical support for PVCO expansion initiatives, including startup support, commissioning and knowledge transfer

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Chemical, Materials/Polymer, Industrial, or related discipline)

3-7 years of manufacturing or process engineering experience

Experience in plastics extrusion, pipe manufacturing, or polymer processing preferred

Strong understanding of process optimization and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, SPC)

Demonstrated ability or potential to act as a technical leader or subject Matter Expert (SME) in a specialized manufacturing process preferred

Proven analytical and problem-solving capability

Ability to develop clear technical documentation and operator-focused work instructions

Hands-on mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills

Proficiency with CAD and manufacturing data analysis tools

Familiarity with automation systems, PLC interfaces, and process controls preferred

Experience supporting or leading capital projects is a plus

Willingness and ability to travel as needed (initial training in Canada)

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Majority of work performed on the manufacturing floor, with some office-based engineering and documentation tasks

Requires regular interaction with production floor staff

Exposure to production noise, moving equipment, heat; must comply with all PPE and safety requirements

Up to 25% - 75% travel (domestic and international) to support PVCO operations, including training, equipment installation supplier engagement and cross site collaboration

International travel may be required to support the expansion of PVCO technology and implementation of new manufacturing capabilities

 

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

 

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.

 

Westlake Management Services, Inc. is proud to offer equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants to join our company and to succeed as members of our team regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.