Penn Color, Inc. ยท 1 day ago
Process Improvement Engineer - Manufacturing
Hatfield, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
5+ years expPenn Color, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Process Engineer to join their Process Improvement & Development team. This role is critical in driving real-time problem-solving improvement initiatives in manufacturing processes and optimizing polymer conversion manufacturing processes across all Penn Color sites.
Manufacturing
Responsibilities
Develop, design, and standardize manufacturing processes for global use
Lead process design reviews to improve manufacturability and ensure repeatable scale-ups across sites
Recommend and implement optimal twin-screw configurations, feeding capabilities, tooling, and metallurgy selections for varying polymer conversion equipment types
Oversee key product scale-ups, first plant runs, and technical validations at multiple sites to ensure consistent commercialization of new formulations
Analyze KPI trends (throughput, scrap, downtime, OEE) across plants to identify systemic improvements
Lead troubleshooting efforts on complex processing issues and guide site teams on best practices
Define global standards for equipment setup and metallurgy selection
Evaluate wear patterns across sites, recommend upgrades, and support capital planning for extended equipment life
Collaborate with Engineering and Maintenance on global spare-parts strategies, retrofits, and capital projects
Conduct advanced data analysis to identify rate-limiting steps across all sites
Recommend and implement changes to equipment configurations, material handling systems, or operating practices to improve line efficiency and capabilities
Support global PM schedules and strategies with production demand and equipment lifecycles
Support root cause investigations and ensure corrective actions are implemented, shared, sustained, and standardized globally
Lead multi-site CI projects using Lean Six Sigma, SPC, TPM, value stream mapping, and FMEA
Facilitate workshops and train local teams to sustain improvements
Develop and maintain SOPs, CI playbooks, and best-practice libraries
Mentor Process Support Technicians and foster a culture of operational excellence
Maintain global process records, update ERP/MES systems, and ensure consistency and accuracy in manufacturing documentation
Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and operational protocols across all facilities
Qualification
Required
Highly skilled Process Engineer
Experience in optimizing polymer conversion manufacturing processes, primarily by Twin-Screw Compounding
Ability to drive process standardization, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement (CI) initiatives
Experience in developing, designing, and standardizing manufacturing processes for global use
Ability to lead process design reviews to improve manufacturability and ensure repeatable scale-ups across sites
Experience in recommending and implementing optimal twin-screw configurations, feeding capabilities, tooling, and metallurgy selections for varying polymer conversion equipment types
Ability to oversee key product scale-ups, first plant runs, and technical validations at multiple sites
Experience in analyzing KPI trends (throughput, scrap, downtime, OEE) across plants to identify systemic improvements
Ability to lead troubleshooting efforts on complex processing issues and guide site teams on best practices
Experience in defining global standards for equipment setup and metallurgy selection
Ability to evaluate wear patterns across sites, recommend upgrades, and support capital planning for extended equipment life
Experience in collaborating with Engineering and Maintenance on global spare-parts strategies, retrofits, and capital projects
Ability to conduct advanced data analysis to identify rate-limiting steps across all sites
Experience in recommending and implementing changes to equipment configurations, material handling systems, or operating practices to improve line efficiency and capabilities
Ability to support global PM schedules and strategies with production demand and equipment lifecycles
Experience in supporting root cause investigations and ensuring corrective actions are implemented, shared, sustained, and standardized globally
Ability to lead multi-site CI projects using Lean Six Sigma, SPC, TPM, value stream mapping, and FMEA
Experience in facilitating workshops and training local teams to sustain improvements
Ability to develop and maintain SOPs, CI playbooks, and best-practice libraries
Experience in mentoring Process Support Technicians and fostering a culture of operational excellence
Ability to maintain global process records, update ERP/MES systems, and ensure consistency and accuracy in manufacturing documentation
Experience in ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and operational protocols across all facilities
Master communicator who can engage stakeholders from the plant floor to executive leadership
Strategic thinker with strong project management and change management skills
Natural leader who inspires collaboration and innovation
Proactive problem solver with a passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence
Data-driven decision-maker who thrives in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
Deep understanding of twin-screw extrusion processes specific to masterbatch and compound manufacturing
Strong technical knowledge of screw elements, L/D ratios, metallurgy, auxiliary process equipment (pelletizers, conveying systems, LIW feeders, etc.) and overall equipment capabilities
Hands-on problem solver with mechanical aptitude and a data-driven mindset
Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work across production, R&D, engineering, maintenance, and CI teams
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, production-driven environment with minimal supervision
Preferred
Associate degree in polymer engineering, industrial engineering, process technology or equivalent technical field experience in a manufacturing environment
5+ years of experience in masterbatch or compound extrusion
Hands-on experience with extrusion processes (premix processes, single and twin screw, pelletization, material conveying)
Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, OEE principles, and extrusion optimization tools
Experience with ERP and MES systems; ability to analyze production data and trends
Strong background in statistical process control (SPC), value stream mapping, total productive maintenance (TPM), and failure mode & effects analysis (FMEA)
Expertise in quality management systems, operations, and process optimization
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred, with practical knowledge of cost savings and KPI tracking
Benefits
Highly competitive compensation
A choice between 3 outstanding medical plans
401K with a strong company match
PTO to balance your life
Additional company perks
And More!
Company
Penn Color, Inc.
We design and manufacture color concentrates and functional additives.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Penn Color, Inc. has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (2)
2023 (3)
2022 (1)
2020 (5)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Kevin Putman Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase